The road to reform in the UK for families of children and young people with SEND, and what comes next?

| 18 June 2026 |

By Shristi Bajracharya

The last thing any family of a child or young person (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) needs when seeking support is to feel as though they are entering a battlefield. Yet for many families across the UK, this has become an all-too-familiar reality. Demand for SEND services continues to rise sharply, outpacing available services. Within this landscape, Amaze, a case partner of the Balancing Act project UK, plays an essential role by providing the Special Education Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support (SENDIAS) services in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove since 1997.

Children with SEND and their families

The proportion of CYP with SEND has increased significantly over the past decade in the UK, placing increasing pressure on families and the systems meant to support them. Yet, families consistently describe the system as fragmented, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. Many recount experiences that feel “traumatic,” particularly when they are left to navigate complex processes alone. Too often, parents are forced to act as their CYP’s primary advocate, and in the absence of adequate legal or professional support, the rights of CYP with SEND can feel uncertain and vulnerable.

White paper reform: Hope, ambiguity, and mixed reactions

Against this backdrop, the recent SEND reforms outlined in the Schools White Paper has offered a cautious sense of hope. The government has signaled a willingness to listen to families and identify areas for improvement. Many stakeholders welcome the emphasis on early intervention and clearer educational pathways for CYP with SEND. However, responses have been mixed. Critics highlight that the reforms pay insufficient attention to emotional support and the human connection that families repeatedly identify as essential. Others point to the lack of clarity around provisions for CYP with complex needs. As shared by Sally from our community partner Amaze, even the White Paper consultation questions themselves were perceived as challenging for many families to interpret, and, at times, difficult even for professionals. Still, the White Paper consultations at least represent a moment where families’ voices are being actively sought. Whether this will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen.

Where does Amaze lie within this context?

Within this evolving policy environment, Amaze continues to serve as a vital bridge between families and the SEND system. Their work spans across youth support, parent carer services, and the facilitation of the Parent Carer Forum. They provide not only information and navigation support but also the human connection that families so often say is missing from formal services.

During the White Paper consultation period, Amaze played a key role in helping families understand the government’s questions and articulate their experiences by organizing various workshops. Their efforts ensured that families, especially those who might otherwise be excluded, had a voice in the national conversation. Amaze also contributed its own insights, drawing on decades of experience delivering SENDIAS services.

Findings from the Balancing Act Project

The Balancing Act project explores the interplay between formal and natural supports in six different global study sites. In the UK, the findings highlight how formal entities such as Amaze can actively strengthen informal networks such as peer support, so that families of CYP with SEND can access relevant services more effectively. Across interviews, families underscored a consistent need for stronger support from government, professionals, and practitioners throughout their care journey, particularly in ways that ensure they feel genuinely heard and understood.

A personal reflection

Working as a Graduate Research Assistant on the Balancing Act UK case has reminded me that, regardless of geography, families caring for CYP with SEND face remarkable struggles. Their stories have offered a window into the daily challenges of accessing education, healthcare, and social support. The findings have also highlighted the resilience, sacrifices, determination, and expertise that parents bring to the SEND systems. This work has strengthened my belief that much more needs to be done to ensure that CYP with SEND and their families receive the support that meets their needs.

Looking ahead

The UK government has signaled a commitment to equipping professionals with better listening skills and a deeper understanding of family perspectives. With the consultation period now closed, attention turns to the forthcoming Green Paper. The hope is that it will reflect the voices of families and CYP with SEND, translating consultation feedback into concrete strategies. Any proposed reforms will still need to pass through Parliament and be embedded in legislation. Realistically, meaningful implementation may not occur until 2029 or 2030. Until then, families, practitioners, and organizations like Amaze will continue to navigate a system in transition.

School of Rehabilitation Therapy