Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of consultation undertaken in the development of proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system, particularly in relation to proposals on the role of tribunals.

The department is consulting extensively on the full set of proposals set out in the ‘SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First’ consultation document, during the 12-week consultation period. We welcome and will carefully consider comments and representations on all aspects of the consultation paper and subjects related to the proposed reforms, including on the role of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) tribunal.

In addition to the online consultation, we are undertaking a national public engagement programme to ensure that families, practitioners and settings can engage meaningfully on the proposals. Ministers have established the SEND Development Group and the Complex Needs Group to provide expert challenge from local authorities, parent groups and campaigners.

This engagement activity ensures broad, balanced and representative engagement while following consultation principles around transparency, accessibility and fairness.