Parents of children with Send give changes in England a mixed response
The Guardian World
by Rachel Hall and Richard AdamsFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Parents of children with special educational needs in England have expressed mixed reactions to recent government changes aimed at improving support systems. While many welcome the reforms for avoiding significant disruptions to their families' lives, there are lingering concerns about whether access to adequate assistance will remain a challenge.
Becky, whose son Kyllian has cerebral palsy and is registered blind, shared her cautiously optimistic perspective. She highlights her relief that Kyllian won’t need to move schools under the new framework, though she remains skeptical about the overall impact on support systems. Her story reflects broader sentiments among parents who fear that while the changes may prevent immediate disruptions, they might not address deeper issues in the system.
The overhaul introduced by Bridget Phillipson seeks to streamline services and ensure continuity for children with special needs. Parents appreciate the stability it brings, especially after years of uncertainty. However, concerns persist about whether these reforms will effectively reach all children or if some families may still struggle to access the help they need.
This issue matters globally as it underscores ongoing challenges in education systems regarding inclusivity and accessibility. The mixed reactions from parents highlight the delicate balance between reforming existing structures and ensuring no child is left behind. As countries continue to navigate similar transitions, lessons from England’s approach could offer valuable insights for improving special needs support worldwide.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026