Latest research blog highlights critical challenges facing SEND in England

The SEN Policy Research Forum has published a series of new blog posts addressing critical challenges facing England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, as policymakers await the forthcoming White Paper. The four contributions collectively call for a shift towards more inclusive, evidence informed and sustainable approaches to SEND reform. 

One article, by Dr Paty Paliokosta, argues that current education policy places excessive emphasis on measurable outcomes, often at the expense of relationships. The piece highlights how strong connections between educators, pupils and families underpin inclusion, wellbeing and long term success, urging national policy to value relational practice alongside academic performance. 

A second post draws on a new sector report revealing widespread concern among Educational Psychologists (EPs) about their limited involvement in shaping national policy. With nearly a third of respondents strongly believing their expertise is underused, the authors warn this exclusion risks undermining the quality and practicality of SEND reforms. 

Another highlights the podcast by Benedicte Yue, Chief Financial Officer at The River Learning Trust, which argues that England’s current SEND system is financially and structurally unsustainable, failing to deliver equitable outcomes for children. It calls for a shift from individualised accountability to a collaborative, systemwide approach that prioritises inclusion, shared responsibility and long term reform. 

You can access the blogs here: SEN Policy Research Forum