SEND Reform Plan
Councils are progressing with their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform plans, addressing financial pressures and responding to service reviews.
Bexley Council had its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement notice lifted in October 2026, following successful reforms. In contrast, Sutton's SEND services were identified as an Area for Priority Action in September 2026 after a critical review by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, highlighting delays in specialist assessment. Kingston upon Thames is unifying its SEND Reform Plan and SEND Futures Plan into a single document, scheduled to launch in October 2026.
Councils continue to address significant financial pressures related to SEND provision. Tower Hamlets Council faced a projected £21.7 million deficit in its Dedicated School Grant in July 2026, while Havering Council reported an accumulated deficit of £67.7 million for SEND. Hounslow Council's Cabinet extended its SEND and Alternative Provision Programme until October 2026 to inform the development of its SEND Reform Plan. Richmond upon Thames' Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss the topic on October 15, 2026.
The SEND Reform Plan is a strategy developed by councils to improve services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, often in response to national requirements. Lambeth's Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed its SEND Reform Plan in September 2026. Earlier, in June 2026, Richmond upon Thames' Education and Children's Services Committee endorsed its SEND Reform Plan for submission to the Department for Education.
Key facts
- Bexley's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement notice was lifted in October 2026. Source
- Kingston upon Thames' updated SEND Futures Plan, incorporating SEND reforms, is scheduled to launch at a conference on October 15, 2026. Source
- Sutton's SEND services were identified as an Area for Priority Action in September 2026 following a critical review by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council faced a projected deficit of £21.7 million in its Dedicated School Grant for the current financial year in July 2026. Source
- Havering Council's Dedicated Schools Grant for SEND faced an accumulated deficit of £67.7 million in July 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.