The Government has finally published its SEND reforms. The Schools White Paper, "Every Child Achieving and Thriving," landed in February 2026 with what the Education Secretary called a "once-in-a-generation chance for change." A new tiered system of support. Individual Support Plans for every learner with SEND. A £4 billion investment in mainstream inclusion. EHCPs are reserved for the most complex needs.

On paper, it's the most significant overhaul of SEND provision in a generation. But here's the question nobody in government has properly answered yet: what does this actually mean for post-16?

The consultation is open until 18th May 2026. This event lands three weeks before that deadline closes. If FE and Skills leaders don't shape what these reforms look like in practice, someone else will.

Join this one day in-person event to work with senior leaders to tackle the SEND cliff edge, create practical solutions to create transitions from education to employment.

Because the challenge hasn't gone away. Nearly half of all young people who are NEET are now disabled, up from one in five just a decade ago. Disabled young people are more than three times as likely to be out of education, employment and training as their non-disabled peers. Employment rates for specific groups remain stark, around 3 in 10 for autistic people, fewer than 3 in 10 for those with learning disabilities.

Young people with SEND, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and speech and language needs, bring extraordinary talent, perspective and potential to our workforce. Yet the system consistently fails to support their transitions. Despite SEND support officially extending to age 25, young people routinely experience what the Education Select Committee has called a "sharp decline in support after age 16." The cliff edge isn't a future risk. It's happening now, in every college, every apprenticeship provider, and every transition meeting across the country.

The White Paper talks about inclusion. The consultation asks for views. But the reforms won't come into effect until September 2029. That's three more years of young people falling through the gaps unless the sector acts now to shape how implementation works on the ground, particularly in post-16, where the White Paper has the least to say, and the need is greatest.