Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Special educational needs reforms will be legislated through the “education for all” bill, the King’s Speech has confirmed. King Charles told Parliament that ministers “believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed to the best of his or her ability and not be held back due to poverty, special educational needs, or a lack of respect聽 for vocational education”. He added: “A bill will be brought forward to raise standards in schools and introduce generational reforms of the special educational needs system.” Policy briefing notes reveal this will be named the education for all bill, subject to the ongoing consultation of the SEND white paper. Documents released contain largely the same information released about the schools white paper in February, including the five reform principles early, local, fair, effective and shared. ‘A truly inclusive education system’ It says: “This bill will transform support for children and young people with SEND by providing early access to support close to home and ensuring all schools, nurseries and colleges deliver the stretching, rewarding education that all children and young people deserve. “The government will build a truly inclusive education system that works for every family.” The and a set out proposals to SEND reform, most of which are expected to be enacted from 2029. From that date, pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will have them reviewed when they reach their next transition point in secondary. Bill ‘a vital lever’ Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the education for all bill is “a vital lever” in the process of SEND reforms. “But. am clear that any changes must be built with the families they are designed to serve,” Phillipson said. The Department for Education said today the new legislation will focus on providing early support, strong protections and new legal duties through the creation of individual support plans and national inclusion standards. It will also develop specialist provision packages and stronger oversight of independent special schools, and manage a smooth transition to the new system. It is the second time a bill has been titled ‘education for all’. In 2016, the Conservatives were planning to force all schools in “unviable and underperforming areas” into academies under the same name. But plans were shelved by the then education secretary Justine Greening. The closes on 18 May. Policy briefing documents say the government will “carefully consider the responses”, with ongoing engagement with families, the sector and experts.
Zohal Noori Rahiq 13 May 2026 An important step has been taken, which will hopefully lead to significant outcomes. Much appreciated.