Committee publication · Correspondence · 12 November 2025
Letter to Secretary of State for Education on Schools White Paper, dated 11.11.25
From: Education Committee
Inquiry: Solving the SEND Crisis
Summary
The Education Committee's Chair writes to the Secretary of State acknowledging the delayed publication of the Schools White Paper and welcoming the additional time for SEND reform engagement. The committee emphasises the urgency of swift implementation once reforms are announced, requests detailed clarification on the co-creation process with stakeholders, and stresses the need for an equality framework ensuring meaningful representation of those with lived experience.
Key findings
- Committee supports the delayed publication timeline to allow thorough stakeholder engagement and evidence-based reform of SEND system
- Emphasises critical need for swift implementation and clear timelines once SEND reforms are announced, given prolonged waiting by children, parents and carers
- Requests specific detail on co-creation process: stakeholder selection, equal resourcing, feedback incorporation, and transparency mechanisms
- Requires confirmation that work is underpinned by comprehensive equality framework with meaningful representation of people with lived experience, including children and young people
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Helen Hayes MP, Bridget Phillipson MP, Education Committee, Department for Education
Notable line
“Too many children, parents and carers are waiting for sustainable change and a system that can meet their needs.”
Key Quotes
“Too many children, parents and carers are waiting for sustainable change and a system that can meet their needs.”
“… once the SEND reforms are announced, it will be essential for your Department to act swiftly to implement them and to provide clear and transparent timelines to ensure that progress is made without further delay.”
“… this work must be underpinned by a strong and comprehensive equality framework, ensuring that the voices and experiences of people with a wide range of lived experiences, including children and young people themselves, are meaningfully represented.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗