Idox comments on the UK Government’s Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation

The UK Government published its Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, on 23 February 2026, setting out wide‑ranging reforms to the education and SEND landscape in England. Alongside this, the consultation SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First outlines proposed changes across the 0–25 SEND system and invites views from families, schools, local authorities and professionals.

Together, these documents mark a significant shift toward a more consistent, inclusive and accountable national SEND framework – one that will be phased in gradually over several years.

Summary of the Schools White Paper

A more consistent national SEND framework

The White Paper proposes a unified approach to SEND support, built around the principles of Early, Local, Fair, Effective and Shared intervention. The aim is to address long‑standing inconsistencies in how support is delivered across England and to strengthen accountability between education, health and local authorities.

Introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

One of the most notable reforms is the introduction of legally required Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for every child with identified SEND, regardless of level of need. ISPs will become the central document guiding support in all schools and colleges, including early years settings.

The Government intends for ISPs to provide clarity on support entitlements, reduce regional variation and establish a consistent baseline for every learner with SEND.

A new tiered model of support

The White Paper sets out a layered structure of SEND provision that builds on universal offers and adds:

Idox is committed to supporting organisations throughout this journey, offering technology that reinforces the White Paper’s vision of early, fair and effective support for all learners – further communications will follow as the reforms progress, outlining how we will continue to evolve in alignment with emerging national requirements.

Jamie Rowell
Idox Head of Product and Strategy

Targeted support – in‑school interventions recorded within the ISP.
Targeted‑plus support – enhanced access to specialists, such as educational psychologists and therapists.
Specialist support – Specialist Provision Packages (SPPs) for children with the most complex needs, designed by panels of education, health and care experts.

This tiered model is intended to improve transparency around entitlements and ensure timely, appropriate support.

Long‑term implementation timeline

The reforms will not take effect immediately. According to Government consultation materials:

New assessments under the reformed system would begin from September 2029.
Changes affecting EHCPs would not occur before September 2030.
Existing legal rights for families remain unchanged throughout the transition period.

This phased approach aims to ensure continuity while giving organisations time to prepare.

Idox’s Perspective: A pivotal moment for digital transformation in SEND

As a trusted SEND case management provider to local authorities, Idox recognises the scale of the proposed transformation – and the essential role that robust, integrated digital systems will play in its success.

The introduction of ISPs is a catalyst for smarter, more connected SEND support. ISPs present a major operational and strategic shift, and they will need to be:

created efficiently
updated regularly
shared across education, health and care partners
aligned with the national framework and legal requirements.

Jamie Rowell, Idox Head of Product and Strategy (Social Care), said: “This represents a significant increase in documentation, coordination and data management for schools, multi‑academy trusts, and local authorities.

“Idox is committed to supporting organisations throughout this journey, offering technology that reinforces the White Paper’s vision of early, fair and effective support for all learners – further communications will follow as the reforms progress, outlining how we will continue to evolve in alignment with emerging national requirements.”

Published On: 27 March 2026

Idox comments on the UK Government’s Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation

Summary of the Schools White Paper

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