SEND
The latest news, analysis, research and advice relating to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) sector
Monday
23rd Feb 2026
Schools White Paper: the sector reacts
What do leaders and experts across the schools sector make of the government’s new plans for education? Tes rounds up opinions on the proposals on SEND, multi-academy trusts, disadvantage and more
How is Labour planning to reform SEND?
The DfE sets out proposals for schools to produce statutory support plans for pupils with SEND and for new national inclusion standards. Here’s everything you need to know about its reform plans
Schools White Paper: all you need to know
Tes has gathered all of the key information from the Labour government’s schools White Paper
Friday
20th Feb 2026
‘Chaotic SEND reform leaks have caused anxiety and entrenchment’
The government’s narrative on SEND reform is also hugely problematic, argues Warren Carratt, leader of a special-school MAT
DfE warned on lack of state capacity for private SEND pupils
Leaders raise concern that the government’s fees plan could lead to ‘catastrophic’ loss of independent special school provision
How specialist staff shortages threaten Labour’s 6,500 teachers target
The government’s key manifesto pledge to deliver 6,500 more teachers could hinge on recruitment into special schools and AP: here’s why that’s a challenge
School trips give pupils ‘strongest sense of belonging’
Students feel most connected to school when they take part in activities outside the classroom, such as sports days and school trips, suggests University of Oxford research
Exclusive
Thursday
19th Feb 2026
DfE promises ‘crackdown’ on spiralling private special school fees
National standards and price bands to be introduced for independent special schools as part of government SEND reforms
SEND crisis ‘harder to fix’ with schools outside strong MATs
Government inclusion adviser Tom Rees speaks to Tes ahead of the publication of the schools White Paper and SEND reform plans
SEND transport bill could hit £3.4bn by 2030, councils warn
Local authorities could be transporting 100,000 more pupils with SEND to school by the end of the decade unless there is significant reform, say councils