Written question asked by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps are they taking to ensure that problems with cognition and learning are recognised areas in the new SEN framework and SEND codes of practice.

Answer

The ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ Schools White Paper and consultation on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform included a commitment to update the SEND Code of Practice.

This will include setting out refreshed ‘Areas of Development’, replacing the current ‘Areas of Need’, to better reflect key areas of child development. In the consultation, we sought views on five proposed areas of development: executive function; motor and physical; sensory; speech, language and communication; and social and emotional development.

These will underpin new National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages. The Standards will set out what ordinarily available provision should be available across the 0-25 system, as well as evidence-based tools, strategies and approaches for educators to identify and support children and young people with additional needs.

We are reviewing consultation responses before setting out the government’s response and next steps, including any amendments to the ’Areas of Development’. We will consult separately on proposed Code changes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL410
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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