Phillipson says Send reforms needed ‘even if money were no object’ because current outcomes ‘not good enough’– UK politics live
The Guardian World
by Andrew SparrowFebruary 23, 2026
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Bridget Phillipson, the UK Education Secretary, has emphasized the urgent need for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) reforms, stating that changes should be implemented even if funding were not an issue. Speaking at an event in Peterborough, Phillipson highlighted that the current system falls short of meeting the needs of children with additional requirements, describing it as a “postcode lottery” where access to support varies widely depending on location and resources. She stressed that inclusion is both an educational and political choice, calling for greater equity in opportunities for children with SEND.
Phillipson praised the vision outlined in the white paper, which aims to create a more inclusive education system that values children with additional needs and their families. The reforms
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026