The Government recently published the SEND Reform White Paper, which proposes wide-ranging changes to the future of education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

While some of the proposals bring opportunities for positive change, many parents, carers and professionals across England have raised important concerns about what these reforms could mean in practice, especially for children with vision impairment (VI).

In this resource, Laura Hughes, CEO of Moorvision and parent to a now grown-up VI young person, shares her expert insights on the proposed changes and what they mean for VI children and young people.

Introduction to the SEND White Paper

  • Impact on current SEND support
  • The Why, What, When and Who

Key Aspects of the White Paper

  • History of SEND reform
  • Key Aspects of the White Paper
  • Experts at Hand Service

Funding

  • Proposed SEND funding
  • Impact of proposed funding

Proposed New SEND System

  • Statutory Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
  • Benefits of ISP’s
  • Concerns about ISP’s

EHCP’s

  • Concerns about Specialist Packages
  • Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
  • Significant Executive Function
  • Complex Executive Function and Communication
  • Social and Emotional Development – Externalising and Internalising Behaviour
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Physical Disability

Changes in Parental Involvement

  • Inclusion Bases
  • School settings
  • National Inclusion Standards

Impact on Post 16 and Post 18 SEND Support

Next Steps

  • Timelines
  • Consultation Period
  • Resource Links
  • Q&A

Have Your Say

The closing date for the SEND White Paper consultation period is 18th May 2026. Click the link below to make sure your views, opinions and experiences are heard.

SEND Reform Consultation Feedback Form

Resources

Linked here is a plain-text version of the PowerPoint presentation.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Laura Hughes for sharing your expert insights into the SEND White Paper and lived experience with the current SEND system, and to the parents who joined this session. We look forward to seeing you at the next Parent Support Group panel event.

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and support from our Parent Carer Support Group by signing up for our newsletter. You can also find all upcoming PSG events listed in the Parents & Carers section of our website.

Parent/Carer Resource Database