Written question asked by Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Friday, 26 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed SEND reforms on regional variations in access to specialist education support.

Answer

The department recognises that there are currently unacceptable regional variations in access to support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Our proposed reforms will address these disparities by introducing a nationally consistent set of Specialist Provision Packages for children and young people with the most complex needs, helping to end the postcode lottery in support.

These Packages will be developed by independent sector experts and tested with parents and families, ensuring they are evidence-based and reflect best practice. This will support more consistent delivery and stronger accountability across all areas, giving families greater confidence.

Those who do not require a Package will be supported in a more inclusive mainstream system. We plan to introduce National Inclusion Standards, which we propose should set out minimum standards all settings must adhere to, including a range of evidence-based tools, strategies and approaches for educators to draw on to identify and support children and young people with SEND.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10906
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Special educational needs
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Special Educational Needs

Secondary information

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