In 2019, the government began to look at the SEND system with a view to future reform. It undertook a 'SEND Review' and published its findings in a report, 'Right support, Right place, Right time' in March 2022.  

Some of the government's recommendations include: 

• New national SEND standards 
• Digital, standardised EHCPs 
• A change to the way that schools are currently selected (to a tailored list) 
• Mandatory mediation 
• National funding bands and tariffs 
   

Between May and July 2022, we sought to improve our understanding of a range of views around the SEND Green Paper.  

We created a 'Your Say on SEND' survey for parents and carers of children and received 90 responses. 

We ran a series of workshops with our workforce and a workshop for SEND professionals working in Cheshire East to gather their professional expertise on the proposals within the Green Paper and understand their perspectives. We also attended workshops hosted by other organisations, including Special Needs Jungle, Seashell, and DCP. 

We carefully analysed the feedback we received to respond effectively to the government's consultation. In our submission, we put forward 15 recommendations: 

• It must be made clearer to families what rights and support they are entitled to 
• Any SEND reform should be co-designed with children and families 
• Changes must join up the system for children and families 
• There must be mechanisms which ensure compliance with the law 
• Parental choice must be retained 
• Families should have access to an independent advocate 
• Ofsted inspections must be more focused on SEND 
• The Government must take steps to address delays in the system 
• Family Hubs should include SEND support 
• Supported internships should be more inclusive 
• Post-16 support must be a priority 
• National and local data should be used and improved  
• Children’s needs should not be made to fit into funding bands 
• A clear timeline for reform is needed 
• Gaps in the Green Paper must be addressed, including physical disability, school-based avoidance, and diagnostic overshadowing 

In September 2022 we sent a joint open letter to the Department for Education calling for future SEND reforms to be underpinned by six clear principles: 

1. Be co-designed with children and families 
2. Strengthen compliance with the law  
3. Ensure parental choice is retained  
4. Make post-16 support a priority  
5. Not squeeze children’s needs into funding bands  
6. Address existing gaps in the Green Paper 

 The open letter was signed by 32 leading disability organisations who together provide lifechanging support and services to thousands of children with SEND every year. 

Signatories to the open letter 

• Mark Lee, Together Trust, Chief Executive 
• Stephen Kingdom, Disabled Children's Partnership, Campaign Manager 
• Parmi Dheensa, Include Me TOO, Executive Director 
• Kate Steele, SHINE (Spina bifida • Hydrocephalus • Information • Networking • Equality), Chief Executive  
• Sally Polanski, Amaze, CEO 
• Sue Millman, Ataxia UK, CEO 
• David Coe, AFK, CEO 
• Caroline Stevens, National Autistic Society, CEO 
• Michael McGrath, Muscle Help Foundation, Founder & CEO 
• Louise Griew, Roald Dahl Marvellous Children's Charity, CEO 
• Kathy Evans, Children England, CEO 
• Jane Harris, I CAN, Chief Executive 
• Sarah Pugh, Whizz-Kidz, Chief Executive Officer  
• Claire Bryant, Cherry Trees, CEO 
• Tom Madders, YoungMinds, Campaigns Director 
• Rita Waters, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), Group Chief Executive (England and Wales) 
• Zillah Bingley, Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, Chief Executive  
• Dr Rhidian Hughes, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group, Chief Executive 
• Gill Gibb, Tree of Hope, CEO 
• Helen Hewitt, Chailey Heritage Foundation, Chief Executive 
• Assunta Soldovieri, Sebastian's Action Trust, Head of Family Services 
• Katie Ghose, KIDS, Chief Executive 
• Dr Beth Bodycote, Not Fine in School, Director 
• Tania Tirraoro, Renata Blower, Special Needs Jungle Ltd, Co-Directors 
• Mike Hobday, National Deaf Children's Society, Executive Director Policy and Campaigns 
• Ali Gunn, United Response, Public Affairs and Policy Lead 
• Megan Jarvie, Coram Family and Childcare, Head of Coram Family and Childcare 
• Kevin Williams, The Fostering Network, Chief Executive 
• James Taylor, Scope, Director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change 
• Andy Fletcher, Together for Short Lives, Chief Executive 
• Carolyne Willow, Article 39, Director 
• National Star 
   

We proudly attended the launch of the #MyVoteMyVoice campaign in Parliament and pledged our full support. 

United Response, Dimensions, Mencap, and Ambitious about Autism came together to address the pressing issue of inaccessible voting for underrepresented communities.  

The #MyVoteMyVoice campaign aims to ensure that voting is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or ability.  
 
As part of this vital campaign, they produced easy-to-read guides to politics and voting, hosted inclusive political events and conducted cutting-edge research to drive change and raise awareness. This campaign is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive democracy for all. 

The Government published its SEND and alternative provision improvement plan, confirming its plans after reviewing feedback from the SEND Green Paper consultation. 

Following our joint letter to the Department for Education (DfE) highlighting the challenges faced by disabled young people, the National Star charity in Cheltenham contacted us.  

Drawing on staff workshops, insights from our 'Your Say on SEND' survey for parents and carers, and extensive desk-based research, we identified the need to investigate the transitions young people experience as they leave education, whether from school or college.  

We've joined forces with National Star to better understand and address the challenges disabled young people face during this important stage of their lives. 

We conducted two separate surveys in partnership with National Star—one for parents and carers and another for young people—to gather valuable insights into the experiences of young people with SEND and their families as they transitioned out of school or college.  

These surveys provided a deeper understanding of their challenges, and the support needed to ensure a smoother, more inclusive transition into adulthood. 

We thoroughly analysed the What Comes After Education survey data, gaining crucial insights into the experiences of young people with SEND as they transitioned out of education. 

Working closely with National Star, we used these findings to draft a comprehensive report highlighting key challenges and recommendations for improving post-education support. 

We proudly attended the #MyVoteMyVoice hustings event alongside local campaigner Nathaniel Yates. 

Held on Tuesday, 9 April 2024, and hosted by United Response, the event brought together four candidates for the upcoming Greater Manchester Mayoral Election. Each candidate shared their vision for the region and engaged in a lively discussion, answering insightful questions from an audience of over 60 self-advocates.  

We visited Newbridge and Bridge College to raise awareness about voter registration. 

Our Policy and Campaigns team set out to raise awareness of the importance of voting and visited our adult services.  

At Newbridge, our Stockport-based day centre for adults with autism and learning disabilities, we met young people with varying knowledge of voting. Some were already registered, while others were eager to learn more. We led a mock voting activity with our polling station, helping participants gain confidence in the voting process. 

The Together Trust's Bridge College student council welcomed our team and was excited to learn more about elections and voting. The visit helped to spark meaningful discussions and helped to empower young people to engage in future elections. 

The Department for Education (DfE) initiated a review of England’s national curriculum and statutory assessment system to ensure they effectively met the needs of children and young people.  

We responded to the Curriculum and Assessment Review: 

• We emphasised the need for schools to track social and emotional development alongside academics, address school avoidance, provide targeted support, and adopt flexible assessment methods for SEND students. 
• We called for making subjects like English and Maths relevant to students, as personal significance boosts engagement. 
• We advocated for a more inclusive approach to Key Stage 1 and 2 assessments, allowing teachers greater discretion and adopting a person-centred approach to meet individual needs and emotional readiness. 
• We supported incorporating formative assessments to track progress continuously, identify gaps early, and offer tailored teaching for SEND students. 
• We highlighted that current digital platforms for tracking progress do not adequately support SEND learners and recommended developing SEND-specific tools to improve tracking and target setting. 
• We called for greater scrutiny of local authorities to ensure accurate EHCPs and sufficient funding from central Government to meet statutory obligations. 
• We highlighted the benefits of smaller class settings with specialists, such as speech therapists and PBS practitioners, and recommended expanding this model for greater inclusion in mainstream education. 
• We noted that socioeconomic challenges can limit children's experiences, hindering their ability to engage with assessment content that assumes broader cultural exposure. 

Read the full response  

The Education Committee began a significant inquiry to address the national crisis in response to the increasing demand for SEND support.  

The inquiry aims to identify solutions for stabilising the system in the short term while ensuring its long-term sustainability. It will examine every stage of education and development, from early years through age 25.       

On 8 January 2025, we proudly launched What Comes After Education for Young People with SEND in Parliament in partnership with National Star. MPs, politicians, and representatives from external organisations came together to hear directly about the barriers these young people encounter and the urgent need for reform in adult social care and support systems. 

The event was a vital platform to amplify the voices of young people, highlighting the systemic barriers in adult social care, employment, and independent living. 

Discussions focused on the urgent need for policy reform to ensure young people with SEND receive the support they need to thrive beyond education. 

We introduced the 'Write to your MP' campaign, encouraging the public to urge policymakers to read the report and support key recommendations for meaningful change. 

We also launched a microsite providing access to the report, resources, and a pledge for supporters.  

The 'What Comes After Education?' report was featured in The Guardian, emphasising the harsh realities young disabled adults face after leaving education. The article, by John Harris highlights the key points from the report, including the lack of services, appropriate housing and meaningful opportunities available for disabled adults. 

We submitted our response to the Education Committee’s inquiry on Solving the SEND Crisis. You can read our full response here. 

Our recommendations in a nutshell 

Education and support that works for all 

• Recognising diversity in SEND Needs: Mainstream education does not suit all students with SEND.  
• A Proactive, Not Reactive, Approach: The DfE must develop a clear strategy to adapt the entire school system to evolving demands. 
• Strengthening Accountability: A robust system to track and oversee whether children and young people with SEND receive their legally entitled support. 
• Investment in SEND Expertise: This includes dedicated SENCO roles, increased investment and recruitment in educational psychologists, SENDIASS and mediation services. 

Protecting Vulnerable Young People 

• Ban the use of unregistered accommodation. 
• Ensure regulated care for every child in care up to age 18. 
• Improve inspection processes to safeguard children and young people.   

Advocacy and Support for Families 

• Introduce an ‘active offer’ of independent advocacy.   
• Ensure independent and well-funded SENDIASS services.  
• Provide accessible and transparent information for families.  

Enhancing Post-16 Opportunities 

• Strengthen collaboration between specialist FE providers and universities to create smoother transitions for students with SEND. 
• Statutory transport provision up to age 25, to align with EHCP support, with sufficient funding and timely application processing. 
• Establish a cross-departmental initiative focusing on training and employment opportunities, with a benefits system that supports young disabled people entering work. 

Transforming funding and policy approaches 

• Allocate SEND funding based on individual needs, rather than local authority budgets. 
• Ensure a joined-up approach across education, health, and social care so that all agencies meet their EHCP obligations. 
• Shape policies with meaningful input from those with lived experience.