York Proposes Major SEND Support Reforms for Children Ahead of June 2026 Approval

Plans are being put forward to improve how children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) are supported in York. If the proposals are approved by the City of York Council's Executive on 2 June 2026, it could mean a big change for kids in local schools. These changes aim to help children receive the support they need in mainstream classrooms, allowing them to thrive alongside their peers.

Draft Local SEND Reform Plan

The draft Local SEND Reform Plan is a response to new national SEND reforms introduced by the government. These reforms are part of a larger vision outlined in a schools’ white paper, which aims to create an inclusive education system where every child can succeed. The local plan aligns with York’s own strategies, including One City for All (2023–2027) and the Inclusion and Belonging Strategy (2025–2030).

The changes being proposed represent a significant shift in how educational services are delivered to children with SEND. This is the most substantial change to children’s services in over a decade, aiming to ensure that all children feel that school is a welcoming and supportive environment. The plan will take ten years to fully implement, focusing on making schools more accommodating for disadvantaged children.

Funding and Support

To support these reforms, York will receive £2.3 million in capital funding and an additional £1.3 million in revenue funding from the government for the financial year 2026/27. This funding is essential for building the necessary infrastructure to support children with SEND effectively.

Key elements of the plan include:

• Utilising capital funding to make mainstream schools more inclusive, working alongside high-quality specialist services.

• Creating a new £1.3 million Experts at Hand service that includes speech and language therapists and educational psychologists to provide early support to children.

• Encouraging collaboration between schools and local partners to share resources and expertise.

• Providing training for all staff in early years, schools, and post-16 education on how to create inclusive learning environments and identify children’s needs early.

What This Means for Children

The proposed changes are designed to ensure that children with SEND have access to the support they need right from the start. Early intervention is key; by identifying needs sooner, schools can provide the necessary resources and strategies to help children succeed. The Experts at Hand service will play a crucial role in this, providing immediate assistance to children and helping educators understand how best to support them.

Cllr Bob Webb, the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education at the council, expressed the importance of these reforms, stating: “School should be a place where all children and young people feel that they belong and this is something that we want to make happen.” He emphasised that the plan, in conjunction with the Inclusion and Belonging Strategy, aims to ensure every child is valued and can achieve their full potential.

Next Steps

If the Executive approves the SEND Reform Plan, it must be submitted to the government by 18 June 2026. Following submission, the plan will be finalised based on feedback from the Department for Education. This collaboration is crucial to ensure that local needs are met while aligning with national expectations.

The changes proposed in York are not just about compliance with government guidelines; they represent a genuine commitment to improving the educational experiences of children with SEND. By focusing on inclusion and early support, York aims to create a more equitable educational landscape where every child feels they belong and can flourish.

For families and children across York, these developments could mean a brighter future where support is readily available, and every child can thrive in a nurturing school environment.