SEND Reform Delayed: What it means for families and neurodivese learners
Published: 22nd October 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes
On 22nd October 2025, the government announced that reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system — originally planned for this autumn — have been delayed until next year.
This means that the long-awaited Schools White Paper, which includes key plans for SEND provision, won’t be published until 2026.
For many families navigating the SEND system, this delay brings mixed feelings — and at Minariel Tutors, we want to unpack what it means and how we can help during this time of uncertainty.
Why Have the SEND Reforms Been Delayed?
The government says it needs more time to:
✓ Review and test different policy options for improving SEND provision
✓ Speak with parents, teachers, and SEND professionals to gather real-world insights
✓ Make sure the final plan truly puts children with SEND at the centre
This sounds positive — but for families already waiting for change, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. Long waiting lists for EHCP assessments, stretched school resources, and slow special educational needs diagnosis processes are still everyday realities for thousands of UK families.
What This Delay Means for Neurodiverse Children and Families
More Uncertainty for Families
Delays in SEND reform mean more uncertainty for families and schools navigating the special educational needs system.
For neurodiverse children — such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dyspraxia — that uncertainty can be especially unsettling. Routine, predictability, and consistent neurodivergent support are key to their wellbeing, confidence, and academic progress.
Parents Are Juggling a Lot
Parents of children with special educational needs are doing their absolute best. With this SEND reforms delay, many feel “stuck in limbo,” unsure what the future holds or how long they’ll have to wait for better support.
They’re:
- Helping with schoolwork at home while managing neurodivergent learning needs
- Attending endless meetings with schools, SENCOs, and local authorities
- Chasing EHCP assessments and tribunal processes
- Researching private SEND tutoring options to bridge gaps in school support
- Balancing work, home life, and the emotional weight of not knowing when help will come
You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed.
Teachers and SEND Professionals Feel It Too
It’s not only parents who feel uncertain about the SEND reforms delay.
Teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists, and SEND specialists are also unsure how best to advise families or plan long-term support. Everyone working within the SEND system is doing their best — but without clear guidance on future policy, even the most dedicated professionals face challenges.
Minariel Tutors’ Position on the SEND Reforms Delay
We Welcome Consultation — But Urgency Is Needed
The SEND reforms represent a significant moment for neurodiverse children, families, and schools across the UK. We understand that lasting change requires thorough, evidence-based planning.
Crucially, we welcome the government’s intention to listen to families and teachers before finalising SEND system reforms. That’s a step in the right direction. Meaningful change must be shaped by those with lived experience of neurodiversity, and parents must be at the heart of decision-making. After all, they know their children best and live the reality of navigating the SEND system every day.
However, we also call for urgency.
Every delay leaves families waiting and neurodiverse learners without the consistent help they deserve. For children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, that uncertainty can feel overwhelming — and every month without proper SEND support can impact their education, mental health, and future opportunities.
How Minariel Tutors Is Supporting Families During This Time
While national SEND reforms are being reviewed, we’re here to bridge the gap — providing consistent, individualised learning and emotional support for neurodiverse children and families navigating this challenging system.
We offer specialist 1-to-1 SEND tutoring tailored to neurodiverse learners across all subjects and age groups, with particular expertise supporting children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and other learning differences.
Our tutors either have lived experience of neurodiversity or hold specialist SEND qualifications — because we believe different thinking excels.
What Can Parents Do While Waiting for SEND Reforms?
1. Seek Private SEND Support
Don’t wait for the SEND system to catch up. Private SEND tutoring can provide immediate, tailored support while you navigate EHCP assessments and school resources. Look for tutors with experience in neurodivergent learning styles and your child’s specific needs.
2. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all communications with schools, local authorities, and health professionals. This will be invaluable if you need to escalate concerns or appeal decisions through SEND tribunal processes.
3. Connect with Other SEND Parents
Join SEND parent support groups (online and local). Sharing experiences and advice can reduce isolation and provide practical tips for navigating the special educational needs system. Recommended resources include IPSEA, Contact, and the National Autistic Society.
4. Prioritise Your Child’s Wellbeing
Academic progress is important, but so is your neurodiverse child’s mental health. Celebrate small wins and maintain routines that help them feel safe and supported.
5. Stay Informed
Follow updates on the SEND reforms from trusted sources like the Department for Education and BBC Education News. We’ll continue sharing updates here on the Minariel blog as the Schools White Paper develops.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SEND Reforms Delay
When will the SEND reforms be published?
The Schools White Paper, which includes SEND reforms, has been delayed until 2026. The exact publication date hasn’t been confirmed yet. The government needs additional time for consultation with families, teachers, and SEND professionals.
What does this delay mean for my child’s EHCP assessment?
Current EHCP assessment processes continue as normal under existing legislation. The SEND reforms delay affects future policy changes, not existing support systems. However, waiting times for EHCP assessments remain long in many areas — often 12-18 months instead of the statutory 20 weeks. For guidance on EHCPs, visit IPSEA’s EHCP resources.
Can I still get private tutoring for my neurodiverse child?
Yes! Private SEND tutoring through specialists like Minariel Tutors can provide immediate, tailored support while you wait for EHCP assessments, autism diagnosis, ADHD assessment, or school resources. Our tutors understand neurodivergent learning styles and create supportive environments where different thinking excels.
What conditions does Minariel Tutors support?
We specialise in supporting neurodiverse learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and other learning differences. Our tutors either have lived experience of neurodiversity or hold specialist SEND qualifications. Learn more about our approach.
How much does specialist SEND tutoring cost?
Our individual SEND tutoring sessions are £100/hour. Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your child’s needs and how we can best support their learning journey.
Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to SEND Families
We’ll continue to raise awareness and share updates as the SEND reforms develop. Families deserve clear information, practical support, and a sense of hope for the future.
At Minariel Tutors, we’re not just waiting for the system to change — we’re actively supporting families right now, providing the consistent, compassionate, specialist help that neurodiverse children deserve.
Get Specialist SEND Support for Your Child Today
If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by the SEND reforms delay — or struggling with waiting lists, paperwork, and uncertainty — you’re not alone.
At Minariel Tutors, we provide immediate 1-to-1 specialist tutoring tailored to your child’s neurodiverse needs, with expert support for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.
Many of our tutors have lived experience of neurodiversity themselves — we understand the challenges your family faces.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
Let’s discuss how we can support your neurodiverse learner’s journey during this uncertain time.
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Where Different Thinking Excels