SEND and inclusion news
Our latest SEND and Inclusion newsletter is now available. It includes:
- updates from the joint Heads of SEND and Inclusion
- Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice - a guide for parent carers
- spotlight on ADHD and autism help, support and information
- three free online sessions for parents and carers to help reduce the risk of radicalisation in young people
White paper on education reform - open consultation
The government has proposed changes in education in its recently published white paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’. The aim is to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. You can read a response from Claire Hayes, Director of Education and Skills for West Sussex County Council, below.
You can read the white paper at Every child achieving and thriving (GOV.UK). The document is available in different formats, including accessible, easy read and British Sign Language (BSL).
A public consultation is now open for you to share your views about the proposed changes. The consultation is open for 12 weeks and closes on 18 May 2026.
We would encourage you to take part in the consultation at Department for Education.
You can find information about the consultation in different formats, including accessible, easy read and BSL at SEND reform: putting children and young people first (GOV.UK).
Update from Claire Hayes, Director of Education and Skills (23 February 2026)
White paper on education reform
Dear parent carers,
Today, the government has published its long-awaited white paper on education reform. We are still reviewing the full details, but we understand that families and professionals may feel uncertain about what these changes could mean in practice.
At West Sussex County Council, our commitment remains clear: we will always put children first, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Our teams are now carefully examining the white paper to understand its implications for our services, schools and communities. We will respond in full to all interested parties once we have had time to fully digest the proposals and assess how they align with our local priorities and the needs of families in West Sussex.
In the meantime, we want to reassure families, carers, and education professionals that we will continue to apply a children first approach in the communication and application of any education reforms.