SEND White Paper Delayed Again as IPPR Report Highlights Need for Urgent Reform

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that the long-anticipated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) white paper will now be delayed until 2026. The delay comes as a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warns that the current SEND system is facing a “crisis of capacity” and needs urgent reform.

Why has the SEND White Paper been delayed?

The white paper was intended to follow the 2022 SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan and was expected to set out clear next steps for improving SEND provision across England. Its aim was to address inconsistencies in support, reduce delays for assessments and plans, and clarify roles across local authorities, schools and services.

The DfE has said that “more time is needed to get this right”, citing the complexity of the system and the need for further consultation. This marks the second significant delay in 18 months, with implementation now unlikely to begin before the next academic year.

What does the IPPR’s report reveal?

The IPPR’s report, “Breaking the Cycle: SEND Reform”, was released just days before the government’s delay was confirmed. It reveals a system under increasing pressure, where:

• Over 500,000 children now have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• The number of EHCP applications has doubled in a decade
• Families face long delays and rising tribunal cases
• Local authorities are struggling to manage demand
• There is significant variation in support and provision across the country

The report also notes that the system is caught in a “vicious cycle” of unmet need, growing parental frustration, reactive spending, and short-term fixes.

What’s the impact on schools and educators?

For parents and schools, the delay is more than a political inconvenience – it has real consequences. Thousands of children are still waiting for assessments or appropriate support. Many schools are at capacity, both in terms of funding and staffing, particularly those supporting pupils with complex needs.

Teachers, SENCOs and school leaders continue to raise concerns about the growing number of pupils with EHCPs without a proportional increase in resources or training. The impact on staff wellbeing, pupil outcomes and parental trust in the system is significant.

Key recommendations from the IPPR

The IPPR is calling for a long-term, cross-government approach to SEND reform. Among its recommendations are:

• A National SEND Strategy with clear targets
• Better integration between education, health and social care
• Investment in workforce development and training
• More specialist school places and inclusive mainstream provision
• Improvements to early identification and intervention

The think tank warns that piecemeal reform will not be enough, and that a bold, system-wide transformation is needed to ensure children with SEND are no longer left behind.

What happens next?

With a general election on the horizon, the future of SEND reform remains uncertain. The government says the white paper is still a “priority”, but many in the sector are calling for interim measures to be introduced now – including improved funding mechanisms and stronger accountability.

The IPPR’s report adds further weight to longstanding concerns raised by parents, schools and SEND professionals. Whether reform will follow swiftly or be further delayed is now a key question for policymakers heading into the next political cycle.

If your school is finding it challenging to recruit experienced SEND staff, our team is here to help. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your staffing needs with high-quality, fully compliant candidates.