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 The new SEND White Paper: what it means for you ℹ️
The government has published a new SEND White Paper. This sets out their ideas for changing and improving the SEND system in England. It does not change the law straight away. Instead, it explains how the system could work differently in the future.
What the White Paper aims to do
The White Paper focuses on making SEND support fairer, clearer and more consistent for families. It sets out how the government wants to:
- Focus more on early support, so children get help as soon as possible
- Make SEND support more consistent across the country
- Be clearer about what good SEND support should look like in early years settings, schools and colleges
- Put children, young people and families at the centre of SEND improvements
- Create a more inclusive, high‑quality SEND system for all children and young people
These are proposals, not new rules. Nothing in your child or young person’s current support or legal rights changes now.
To find out more about the White Paper click here: Schools white paper: What parents need to know about changes to the SEND system – The Education Hub
What happens next?
Now the White Paper has been published, the next steps include:
- A national consultation, where parents, carers, young people, professionals and organisations can share their views
- The government reviewing feedback and considering changes
- Any new laws being discussed by Parliament at a later stage
This process will take time. During this period, SEND support in the East Riding will continue as it does now.
How you can get involved
There will be opportunities for families, carers and young people in the East Riding to:
- Attend local events or engagement activities about SEND reforms
- Share views through parent carer forums, SEND groups or local engagement opportunities.
You can contact the East Riding Parent Carer Forum here: Home - EYPCF
We know this may feel worrying
We understand that talk of changes to SEND can be unsettling. Many families have concerns about what this might mean for their child or young person.
Please remember:
- Your child’s support and rights do not change now
- Nothing is changing immediately
- Support and advice are available to help you
- You can find local advice and support services on the Local Offer
We will keep you updated
We will share clear and simple updates as more information becomes available. Further information, including frequently asked questions, will be added to the Local Offer as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the SEND White Paper? The SEND White Paper is a government document that sets out ideas for future changes to the SEND system in England. It is not a new law.
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Does the White Paper change my child’s support right now? No. Your child’s support and legal rights stay the same for now.
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Why does the government want to change SEND? The government says it wants SEND support to be more consistent, fair and effective for families across the country.
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Will EHCPs change? No changes are being made right now. Any future changes would only happen after consultation and new legislation.
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Should I be worried? It’s normal to feel concerned, but nothing changes immediately. You will have time to understand proposals and share your views.
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How can I have my say? You can take part in the national consultation and through local engagement opportunities in the East Riding.
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Who can I talk to if I have questions? You can contact SEND services or local advice organisations listed on the Local Offer for help and support.
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How long will it take before anything changes? Changes to law can take a long time. During this time, SEND support continues as normal.
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Will this page be updated? Yes. This page will be updated whenever new information is available.
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Local Area SEND Reform Plan
Work is underway in the East Riding of Yorkshire to prepare for the first stage of the Government’s SEND reforms.
East Riding of Yorkshire is working with health partners and organisations across education and social care, as well as with representatives from the Parent Carer Community and using information from children and young people, to develop a Local Area SEND reform Plan. This plan will set out how new national funding and changes to SEND policy will be used to improve support for children and young people with SEND in the East Riding.
The plan will focus on improving early identification of needs, strengthening support in early years settings, schools and colleges, making better use of specialist advice, and improving inclusive provision, including support within mainstream settings where possible.
This is the starting point for longer-term improvement. The Local Area SEND Reform Plan will be reviewed and updated each year as the national reforms continue and will help guide future investment and development.
We are working with partners, organisations and our Parent Carer Forum to shape the initial plan and will share information and opportunities for families, carers, children and young people to get involved. There will be further opportunities to share views and help shape future phases of this work.
The experiences and views of families and young people are important in shaping the future of SEND support in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
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Hearing SEND voices across East Riding 💚
The Local Offer team is continuing to gather the views of children and young people with SEND, along with their parents and carers, from across East Riding.
We’re keen to meet families and young people in places where they already connect, such as parent carer groups, youth groups, activity sessions, SEND drop‑ins, and community events. If you’re involved in organising or supporting activities like these, we’d really value the opportunity to attend, even if just for part of a session.
By sharing experiences and feedback, families and young people help shape SEND support and improvements across our area.
We'd love to hear from you, please email emma.gray@eastriding.gov.uk
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East Yorkshire Parent Carer Forum 🎟️
The East Riding Parent Carer Forum (EYPCF) has a range of upcoming events for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, including opportunities to connect, share experiences and find out more about local support.
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Free post‑16 support drop‑ins for home educated young people –coming to a library near you
Friendly, informal drop‑in sessions are taking place in local libraries across East Riding, offering free support around post‑16 options and careers planning for home educated young people.
These sessions are for families who are electively home educating as well as young people who are educated otherwise than in school, and those who may not currently be attending an education setting. You are very welcome whether your young person is actively applying this year or simply starting to explore their options.
At the sessions, support is available with:
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Understanding post‑16 options and timelines (college, sixth form, apprenticeships and training)
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Writing CVs and personal statements
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General guidance on providing careers education at home
There’s no need to book you can drop in at any point during the session time and stay as long or as little as you like. Parents and carers are encouraged to attend alongside their young person, and you’re also welcome to come on your own to gather information.
For questions or more information, email post16@eastriding.gov.uk
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 Togetherness April wellbeing update
Togetherness is an online learning environment developed by psychologists and health practitioners, offering accessible learning focused on emotional health and wellbeing. The resources are designed to support positive mental health, behaviour and relationships for children, young people and families.
The Togetherness newsletter shares useful resources and information for parents and carers, as well as professionals working with children and young people, to help build understanding and confidence around emotional wellbeing.
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Autism and sensory needs seminar🧩
The Communication and Interaction Specialist (CIS) team is running their final parent and carer seminar of the school year: Autism and sensory needs.
The session will take place on 4 June, from 10am to 12.30pm, in the Cameron Room at Keldmarsh Primary School, Beverley.
The seminar is free to attend, but places must be booked in advance by emailing: eps@eastriding.gov.uk
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Free supporting communication development training for practitioners – accessible to parents too 💬
Understanding how children communicate is key to supporting their learning, confidence and wellbeing. The Dingley Promise Supporting Communication Development for Early Years Children with SEND Training Course offers practical guidance to help adults better understand how communication and language develop in young children.
The course explores how communication develops over time and helps adults recognise different ways children may express themselves including children who are non‑verbal or use alternative ways to communicate. It supports adults to feel more confident in identifying children’s needs and responding quickly and effectively.
You’ll learn:
- How communication and language develop in early childhood
- How to recognise and respond to communication cues, including non‑verbal communication.
- Ways to support children’s communication needs at home or in early years settings
- When and where to seek specialist support if needed
- Although the training is designed for early years practitioners, it is also open to parents and carers who would like a better understanding of language development and simple ways to support their child’s communication journey.
As part of the Dingley Promise, this training is currently free to access until 30 June 2026. Anyone who signs up before this date will then have six months to complete the course, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
This is a great opportunity to build knowledge, confidence and understanding, all of which can make a real difference to children’s communication and development.
🎬 Watch the course introduction video: https://vimeo.com/1122168446?fl=pl&fe=sh
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Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision in the Early Years🌈
We are pleased to share that the East Riding Early Years Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) guide is now available.
This guide explains what good, inclusive practice looks like in early years settings and how providers support children as part of their everyday offer. It also helps practitioners spot early needs, recognise children’s strengths and plan the next steps to help them make progress.
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 Support for children feeling anxious about attending school
This resource - Tips for supporting children experiencing anxiety about school, including Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) - has been co-produced with parents and carers, the parent carer forum, and SEND collective voices.
It includes top tips for parents and carers, schools, and other professionals, and is intended to sit alongside the EBSA graduated approach document.
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 Healthy Minds in East Riding: Directory of Support
This interactive resource was co-produced by key partners who provide support for our children, young people, and families' emotional health and wellbeing.
It is for professionals and parents to help guide them towards the help and support available for children and young people.
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Website feedback welcome💬
Your feedback matters. Every comment and suggestion helps us improve the Local Offer and shape the development of the new platform to better meet the needs of children, young people, and families with SEND.
📧 Share your thoughts: localoffer@eastriding.gov.uk
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Share your updates 📢
We welcome relevant updates, events, training opportunities and resources that support children and young people with SEND and their families. Information on how to submit content can be found below.
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The Families Information Service Hub does not have control over the content, accuracy or availability of external websites linked in this newsletter. Including a link does not mean we endorse the site or the views expressed on it.
The next bulletin would usually be shared on the last Thursday in May. However, it will be issued earlier than planned to go out ahead of the school holidays.
If you would like to submit information, news or events for consideration, please email localoffer@eastriding.gov.uk by 12 noon on Tuesday, 19 May.
Please note that submitting content does not guarantee inclusion.
Thank you.
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