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A SENCO's Guide to the White Paper SEND Reforms 2026 The SEND system in England is changing - and for SENCOs, this isn't just another policy update. It's a structural reset. Following the publication of Every Child Achieving and Thriving (2026), the Department for Education set out a ten-year vision for reforming inclusion, funding, accountability and specialist provision. For Special Educational Needs Coordinators, this White Paper marks one of the most significant shifts in SEND practice in over a decade. But what does it actually mean for schools? A SENCO's Guide to the White Paper SEND Reforms 2026 translates national reform into practical school leadership. Written specifically for SENCOs, senior leaders and inclusion teams, this book: • Breaks down what is changing - and what remains legally the same • Explains the new graduated response expectations • Clarifies funding reforms and national banding implications • Unpacks accountability and Ofsted alignment • Explores the evolving role of EHCPs • Provides step-by-step implementation guidance • Offers templates, audit tools and strategic planning frameworks Grounded in real-world SENCO experience, this guide recognises the daily tension between statutory duty, limited budgets, parental expectations and rising need. It does not offer theory alone - it provides structured, actionable systems that can be implemented immediately in mainstream primary and secondary settings. Whether you are: • A new SENCO navigating reform for the first time • An experienced inclusion leader preparing your school for inspection • A headteacher seeking clarity on strategic SEND direction • Or a local authority professional supporting schools