Camden Families: What the National SEND Reforms Mean

What is every child achieving and thriving?
Nothing changes right now
What the proposals actually suggest?
Camden’s position on the reforms
Getting your child where they need to be

What Is Every Child Achieving and Thriving?

At the end of February 2026, the government published a schools policy paper under the title Every Child Achieving and Thriving. It sets out proposals to reform the SEND system across England – how children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are identified, supported, and educated.

The changes it describes are subject to consultation and legislation, and realistically, most of them are years away from being implemented.

Announcements like this tend to circulate quickly, and the language around “reform” can sound more immediate than it is. So, it’s worth being specific about what this paper actually is: a set of proposals. It is not a new law.

Nothing Changes Right Now

For families with children currently on an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan – nothing about your child’s support changes because of this paper.

EHC plans remain in place. The rights and entitlements your child have under current legislation are unchanged. Provision and support arrangements continue as they are. Camden Council has been clear on this: there are no immediate changes, and any future changes would be phased and introduced with further national guidance.

If you have been worrying about what this means for your child’s plan right now, the short answer is: it doesn’t change anything yet.

What the Proposals Actually Suggest

Looking ahead, Every Child Achieving and Thriving does sketch out a different model for how SEND support could be structured. The general direction is towards earlier intervention in mainstream schools – the idea being that schools would take on more responsibility for identifying and meeting needs before specialist support becomes necessary.

EHC plans, under these proposals, would be reserved for children and young people with the most complex needs. This is a shift from how some families currently use EHC plans as a way of securing reasonable provision in mainstream settings.

Whether that shift happens, and exactly how, depends on the consultation process and what legislation eventually passes. These proposals are not a done deal.

Camden’s Position on the Reforms

Camden Council has responded to the national announcement directly and with some reassurance. The council is committed to continuing its partnership with SEND families in the borough, and to making sure children and young people get timely, appropriate support throughout whatever changes unfold nationally.

Importantly, Camden has committed to open communication. As more detail emerges from the government, the council will keep families informed. There are also upcoming parents and carers meetings where these proposals will be discussed – a genuine opportunity to ask questions and hear more about how Camden is thinking about all of this.

If you want to read more or check in on updates, Camden’s SEND Local Offer is a useful place to start: families.camden.gov.uk/send-local-offer

Getting Your Child Where They Need to Be

Whatever is happening at a policy level, families with children who have SEND deal with practical challenges every single day. School runs, therapy appointments, assessments, activities – getting a child with complex needs from one place to another safely and without added stress is a real part of family life that doesn’t pause for government consultations.