The King announces Education for All Bill
Earlier this year, the "Every Child Achieving and Thriving" white paper introduced overhaul to the current SEND system with potentially significant implications for schools across the sector.
Published: May 15th, 2026
3 min read
On 13 May 2026, the King’s Speech indicated that this reform to the SEND system would be legislated via a new Education for All Bill.
Many in the education sector will recognise the name of this bill; interestingly, in 2016 the government proposed an Education for All Bill linked to the push for academisation which was subsequently never passed through parliament.
What does the Education for All Bill mean?
The Department for Education has confirmed that the announcement of the Education for All Bill is not the introduction of legislation itself. Instead, it expresses the government’s desire to introduce legislation in the future.
It is proposed that future legislation will have three primary focus areas:
New legal duties in respect of Individual Support Plans (ISP) those with SEND, as well as the introduction of National Inclusion Standards.
Reformed EHCP processes, Specialist Provision Packages and oversight of Independent Special Schools to ensure clearer protections for children.
Clear transitional protections when implementing the new system to ensure that support remains effective as the system reforms.
Next steps
The Bill is subject to the outcome of consultation on the proposed reforms. The public consultation in respect of the white paper closes on 18 May 2026.
With significant reforms proposed, it will be vital to ensure that clear and consistent processes are enforced across the sector to ensure that children with the most significant support needs do not slip between the gaps and lose the consistent provision required to thrive.
Proposed reform to the SEND system comes at a time when the sector is facing increasing pressure to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND. Ensuring to robustly challenge EHCP placements where necessary is often a school’s first line of action to ensure that it is able to meet the needs of all pupils with SEND.
Get in touch to discuss how our team of experts can support your school to implement consistent and robust practices to ensure that EHCP consultation responses meet the statutory requirements and evidential expectations.
For further information please contact Coral Peutrill
