Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the views of families of children with SEND, including those expressed through consultation responses and stakeholder engagement, are reflected in the final policy proposals relating to SEND reform.

The department’s ongoing 12-week consultation is underpinned by an engagement programme designed to ensure the views of families are at the heart of our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms. Working with the Council for Disabled Children, we are delivering a national programme of nine regional events, dedicated sessions led by children and young people, and bespoke webinars for parents, carers and the sector.

To ensure a broad range of representation, we have established two ministerially led groups, the SEND Development Group and the Complex Needs Group, which meet monthly to provide strategic challenge.

These efforts are supported by weekly policy 'deep dives' with experts and parent representatives to explore specific themes like mainstream inclusion and assessments.

Engagement is also continuing with children and young people, ensuring that our proposals are tested by those with direct and lived experience.

All insights gathered through these channels, alongside formal consultation responses, will be analysed to shape final policy proposals.