PM Keir Starmer Unveils Major Education and SEND Reforms to Support Every Child. 

London:

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major package of education reforms aimed at improving support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) while easing the pressures faced by families across the country.

The Prime Minister said the government’s new Schools White Paper and reforms to the SEND system are designed to ensure that every child receives timely support so they can learn, develop and succeed. He acknowledged that many families have struggled for years to secure appropriate support for their children, often facing lengthy and stressful processes while household costs continue to rise.

As part of the reforms, the government plans to invest billions of pounds to strengthen SEND provision. The initiative includes the creation of 60,000 new specialist school places, expanded early intervention programs, and enhanced training for teachers so that mainstream schools can better support children with additional needs. At the same time, the government will continue investing in specialist settings for children with the most complex requirements.

According to Starmer, the reforms will also focus on improving inclusivity in mainstream schools and ensuring that children receive help earlier, preventing problems from escalating later in their education.

The government has linked the education reforms with wider measures aimed at improving living standards for families. These include expanding free school meals and breakfast clubs, increasing mental health support in schools, and strengthening apprenticeship pathways so young people can access stable and rewarding careers.

Starmer said the overall goal is to build an education system that works for every child while supporting families and ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to thrive.