Your council has a new plan for SEND. Can you read it?
Every council in England had to send the Government a Local SEND Reform Plan by 19 June 2026. It sets out how support for children with SEND will change where you live. We looked for all 153.
Find your council
This is the council that runs your child's EHCP or SEND support, usually the county or unitary council. Not sure? Check with your postcode.
Tell us about your child
Pick the one that fits best. You can come back and pick another.
Why can't families see these plans?
- No rule says councils have to publish them. The Government left it to each area.
- No public consultation was required. Plans were signed off by officials and partnership boards. In many areas councillors saw them only after they had gone to the Government, or not at all.
- The Government says more than 9 in 10 plans are approved, but has not said which ones.
- A council's past SEND deficit is 90% written off only if the Government approves its plan. The Government's scoring rewards plans with little or no new special school places.
Ordinary council and Freedom of Information rules still apply. Anyone can ask for their council's plan. Step 1 gives you a ready-made request.
Share the picture
Save this and share it in your groups. Download the infographic.
How we did this
Between 21 and 22 October 2026 we searched every council's website, Local Offer and committee papers, and news coverage, for its Local SEND Reform Plan. "Nothing public found" means we could not find it online, not that the council has no plan. Figures are as the councils state them. Plans can change after they are reviewed by the Government.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Email sendrights@outlook.com and we'll fix it.
National sources
- DfE, SEND reform: putting children and young people first (February 2026)
- House of Commons Library, The Schools White Paper 2026: SEND Reform (September 2026)
- DfE and DHSC commissioning letter to councils (9 March 2026)
- Schools Week, Council SEND reform plans could dodge public scrutiny (28 May 2026)
- Schools Week, DfE scoring and special school expansion (13 March 2026)
- Schools Week, Experts at Hand guidance (5 June 2026)
- Schools Week, Councils told to have another go at SEND reform plans (8 October 2026)
- LGC, DfE sets out 90% SEND deficit write-offs (5 October 2026)
This page is general information about the law in England and the Government's proposals as they stood on 22 October 2026. It is not legal advice about your child. For advice, answer a few questions to find help.