Today (12 November) in an open letter, to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Minister for Children and Families, Will Quince, confirmed that the SEND Review is expected to be published early in 2022.

Rob Williams, senior policy advisor at school leaders’ union NAHT said: “It has been hugely frustrating that two years from starting the review, the government has yet to publish its findings, so it is encouraging to hear that the new Minister is prioritising delivery of the SEND Review early next year.

“We will be reminding the SEND Review team of the need to continue meeting and speaking to NAHT and the other education unions as we are the representative voices of those in education who work with children and young people who have SEND, and their families.

“Government needs to urgently complete the SEND Review, commit essential funding in each sector, and start implementing the changes required to address long-standing systemic shortcomings. SEND support must be pivoted so that it is needs-led and not resource-limited, and the barriers to cross-sector joint working must be removed so that education, health and social care are each able to work together effectively, for the benefit of all pupils with SEND.

“The SEND Review is an opportunity for the government to show their commitment to investing in the future of the most disadvantaged children and young people.”