Send Reform Tracker - Find Support UK

SEND Reform Tracker 2026–2029

Tracking government funding, legal changes, and local authority implementation — in plain English for families.

Updated weekly. Evidence-based. Independently reviewed.

Scope: This tracker focuses on statutory SEND reform in England (schools, EHCPs, Local Authorities and inclusion standards).

Last reviewed: [25 February 2026]

This page tracks major SEND policy changes affecting families, schools, and support services.

If you are looking for practical support providers, visit the SEND & EHCP Support directory.

Reform timeline at a glance

These are the key phases we’re tracking. Some items will roll out at different speeds by area.

2026

Funding announcements: allocations, guidance, rollout timelines
Inclusive mainstream support: early identification and support before EHCP threshold
Specialist support access: expanded access pathways for schools
Individual Support Plans (ISPs): clearer school-level plans shared with families

2027–2028

Inclusion standards: training, guidance, accountability
Local authority variation: Local Offer and pathway changes
System stabilisation: what’s live vs pilots/transition

2029+

Legislative changes: duties, eligibility, EHCP process reform
Long-term funding: ongoing settlement and outcomes reporting

For detailed rights and processes, see: SEND & EHCP Support

What’s changed this month

📅 Update: February 2026

What changed

New guidance released on school-level support plans (ISPs)
Funding detail clarified for inclusive mainstream support
New implementation notes published for schools and SENCOs

What this means for families

What to ask your school and what to request in writing
Where timelines may speed up or slow down locally
What evidence/records to keep

What FSUK updated

Updated SEND & EHCP guide: “ISPs explained”
Added FAQs: “SEN Support vs EHCP in 2026 reforms”
Updated Support Areas wording/categories

Regional implementation watch

Implementation can vary by area. We track notable changes in Local Offer pages, pathways, commissioning, and process updates.

Local Authority	Reform progress	What changed	FSUK action
Kent	Early implementation	Local Offer updated; ISP pathway clarified	Add regional note + tag relevant listings
Manchester	In progress	Inclusion training programme published	Add “What to ask schools” checklist
Birmingham	Monitoring	Waiting-time reporting updated; commissioning notes released	Add FAQ + signpost advocacy support

Implementation varies by Local Authority. We review Local Offer updates and official publications monthly.

What families should do now

If your child is on SEN Support

Ask what plan is being used to record support and progress, and request a copy.
Confirm outcomes being tracked and the review date.
Keep a simple timeline of support provided and impact observed.

If you’re requesting (or waiting for) an EHCP

Ask your Local Authority for timelines and steps in writing.
Collect evidence: school reports, professional letters, impact on daily functioning.
Consider advocacy support if deadlines are missed.

If you’re exploring private assessments

Check professional registration and how reports are accepted by schools/LAs.
Be clear if you need diagnosis, support planning, or both.
Use our guide to compare routes and avoid common pitfalls.

Explore Support Listings: SEND & EHCP Support · Therapy & Specialist · Private Assessments

Are you a SEND provider? During reform periods, families search more for clear, structured support.
You can submit a Support Listing or claim your Support Listing to ensure your service is accurately represented.

Sources & references

[GOV.UK]
[DfE] [Guidance/consultation]
[Parliament] [Debate/bill/report]
[Sector] [IPSEA/Contact/etc.]