White paper on the reform of SEND provision in England delayed until 2026 

Successive governments have all neglected the interests of Disabled people in their policy development which should be firmly underpinned by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), a treaty the UK signed and ratified back in 2009, committing to the progressive realisation of Inclusive Education. 

It is obvious that this current delay has nothing to do with further engagement with stakeholders. This is evident from their list of stakeholders which excludes Disabled children and young people, as well as Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). The delay, it would seem, is politically motivated, aimed at avoiding another rebellion by MPs as with the disability benefits cuts earlier this year.  

The government’s intention, as shown in the Education Sectary’s letter to the Chair of the Education Select Committee, is to continue to expand units in mainstream schools and build more segregated schools. These are not the changes ALLFIE and the Inclusive Education movement want. Such measures reinforce segregation rather than promoting equality and inclusion. 

Overhauling the education system must start from creation of an Inclusive Education Act aligned with Article 24 of the UNCRPD and ending the segregation of Disabled people in education. To achieve this, the government must engage directly with DPOs and their members. 

The government’s starting point must not be cost savings or value for money. It must be about valuing all children and young people and recognising that Inclusive Education is a human right and a matter of social justice. 

We therefore demand:  

• a total overhaul of the education system to create one that is fully inclusive and based on an Inclusive Education Act reflecting Article 24 of the UNCRPD. 

• An immediate end to expansion of segregation provision including SEN units in mainstream schools and building more special schools 

• Full implementation of human rights principles, ensuring the UK upholds its obligations under the UNCRPD and all related treaties. 

ALLFIE’s position is clear any reform that continues to separate and exclude Disabled pupils and students is unacceptable. It breaches international human rights law and betrays Disabled children, young people, and their futures.