The government’s Education White Paper, “Every Child Achieving and Thriving,” sets out the long-term plan to reform the education system to improve inclusive practice and outcomes for all children.
The White Paper responds to the many challenges facing the sector in areas such as attainment, disadvantage, children with SEND and school attendance.
This was only shared on 23 February 2026 – Dorset Council is looking at the detail to consider what it all means for the residents of Dorset.
The White Paper sets out the expectation that all schools are equipped and funded to support children with SEND, and those who are disadvantaged in other ways, such as children from low-income households, to achieve and thrive in inclusive, local mainstream schools. To support this, the government has allocated an additional £4billion.
The Department for Education is now consulting on the proposals until mid May to inform the necessary legislation that will be required to implement the proposals.
You can take part in the consultation and comment on the White Paper either online or by emailing [email protected].
What does this mean for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP’s)?
In future it is expected that more children will get the help they need from support available in inclusive mainstream schools without requiring an EHCP.
The proposals set out three layers of support for children who need additional help:
- Targeted Support, provided by the school
- Targeted Plus Support, with input from education and health professionals
- Specialist Support for children with the most complex needs, supported by an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Any child with an EHCP (or who has been assessed as needing one) at the point legislation commences will keep their plan and its provision until they finish their current phase of education (for example, moving from Primary to secondary school).
When children move to the next phase of education at the end of primary, secondary and post-16, commencing from the 2029 to 2030 academic year, they will be reassessed using the three layers (above).
Where can I find more information?
The Department for Education have prepared some guidance for families and professionals who may be affected by the reforms.
There is also a news article which provides our response to the Government's Education White Paper and SEND Reform consultation
You can also attend our Let's Talk SEND live sessions – our next session is on 24 March, where we will discuss the reforms and answer as many questions as we can.