On 23 February 2026, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a £4 billion SEND reform package as part of the Government’s Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, confirmed on GOV.UK and reported across the BBC, ITV, Bloomberg, and LBC.

The Government acknowledged that the current SEND system is not working – and is now acting on years of evidence and parent feedback to overhaul it from the ground up. For London families navigating a stretched and underfunded SEND system, this is a watershed moment.

So, What Exactly Is the £4 Billion SEND Package?

The investment is spread across four key areas over three years:

• £1.6 Billion – Inclusive Mainstream Fund – Direct funding for schools and early years settings to better support SEND children without needing an EHCP, covering interventions, adaptive teaching, and staff training
• £1.8 Billion – Experts at Hand Service – On-demand access to SEND specialists including speech and language therapists, available to all schools regardless of whether a child has an EHCP
• £200 Million – Teacher Training – SEND training for every teacher in England – described as the biggest offer of its kind in English education
• £200 Million – Best Start Family Hubs – Bringing dedicated SEND outreach and support closer to families in their local communities
• 60,000 New Specialist School Places – Ending the postcode lottery and significantly reducing the need for long-distance travel to out-of-borough placements

What is changing with EHCPS – and should families be concerned?

EHCPs will now be reserved for children with the most severe and complex needs. Children with lower-level needs will instead receive individual support plans within mainstream schools, which the Government says will still carry enforceable legal rights.

New-style EHCPs are not expected until 2030, giving families time to prepare. Families with existing EHCPs will continue to receive their current entitlements throughout the transition. However, EHCP reviews are likely to become more thorough, so keeping documentation up to date and seeking advice from SENDIASS where needed is strongly recommended.

Why SEND transport is right at the centre of this reform?

SEND transport costs are one of the key drivers behind this entire reform. Councils in England spent £415 million more than budgeted on home-to-school transport in 2023/24 – with total spending up 70% since 2015/16. Around 206,000 children with SEND are currently transported to school by local authorities every year, and if nothing changes, yearly SEND transport costs could reach £3.4 billion by 2030/31.

By bringing more SEND provision into local mainstream schools and creating 60,000 new specialist places, the Government aims to dramatically shorten journey times, reduce out-of-borough placements, and ease pressure on council transport budgets. Shorter journeys also mean children arrive more settled, less fatigued, and better ready to learn – a benefit that matters enormously for pupils with SEND.

What does this mean for London send families right now?

For families across Hackney, Waltham Forest, Islington, Camden, Haringey, and Hammersmith and Fulham, the day-to-day picture remains unchanged for now. Current EHCP entitlements and transport arrangements continue while reforms are rolled out.

However, families should be aware of three key things going forward:

EHCP reviews will become more thorough – Keep all documentation updated and contact SENDIASS for independent advice if needed.

More local provision is coming – The 60,000 new specialist places mean more London children will eventually access suitable schools closer to home.

Transport arrangements will evolve – As placements shift, journey routes and arrangements may change. Stay in regular contact with your local authority’s transport team.

The Road Ahead – What Happens Next?

New-style EHCPs arrive in 2030. The Inclusive Mainstream Fund and Experts at Hand service launch over the next three years. The Government has also committed to writing off 90% of councils’ historic SEND deficits – giving local authorities across London vital breathing space to manage current demand while preparing for change.

Reform takes time – but the need for safe, reliable, and caring SEND transport is not going anywhere.

Find more details here.

Let Jimac Cars provide safe and reliable transport for families and young people with SEND needs, making every journey easier and stress-free. While the SEND landscape changes over the coming years, one thing remains constant – the importance of a trusted, dependable transport provider for children with special educational needs. Jimac Cars is proud to support SEND families across London every single school day, through every period of change and beyond. Contact Jimac Cars today to find out how we can support your family’s SEND transport needs.