SEND Reforms Under Fire: Chris Packham Urges PM to Rethink 2026

Campaigners led by broadcaster Chris Packham are urging the prime minister to rethink SEND reforms that they say threaten the legal rights of children with special educational needs and disabilities. In an open letter published in the Guardian, disabled children, parents, and experts call on Andy Burnham to abandon the core elements of the government’s proposed changes to special educational needs provision.

What Are the SEND Reforms?

The reforms, announced earlier this year by former prime minister Keir Starmer and former education secretary Bridget Phillipson, aim to curb the rising number of legally mandated education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and save money in the long term. The government argues that the current system is unsustainable, with costs spiraling and outcomes for children varying widely.

However, critics argue that the changes would significantly reduce existing legal rights to enforceable EHCPs, parental choice of educational settings, and independent routes of appeal. The letter states: “The legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are still under threat.”

Why Campaigners Are Concerned

Campaigners fear that the reforms will remove vital protections for some of the most vulnerable children in society. They argue that without enforceable EHCPs, parents will struggle to secure the support their children need, and that reducing parental choice will lead to poorer educational outcomes.

The letter urges ministers to work with SEND families and organisations to retain existing legal rights, preserve individual provision, improve accountability in the system, and retain meaningful independent routes of appeal. “We urge ministers to work with SEND families and organisations to retain existing SEND legal rights, preserve individual provision, improve accountability in the system, and retain meaningful independent routes of appeal,” the campaigners write.

The Human Cost of SEND Reforms

For many families, the threat of losing legal protections is not just a policy issue—it’s a personal crisis. Parents of children with SEND often fight for years to secure an EHCP, which is a legal document that outlines the support a child needs. Without it, they fear their children will be left behind.

Chris Packham, who has been a vocal advocate for disabled children, said: “These reforms would roll back decades of progress. We cannot allow that to happen.” His involvement has brought national attention to the issue, but the government has indicated it is unlikely to change course.

Comparing the Current System and Proposed Reforms

Key Takeaways for Parents and Advocates

• Legal rights are at risk: The proposed reforms could weaken the legal force of EHCPs.
• Parental choice may shrink: Families could lose the ability to select the best educational setting for their child.
• Appeals could become harder: Independent routes of appeal may be curtailed.
• Advocacy is crucial: Campaigners are calling for unity among SEND families to resist the changes.

What Happens Next?

The campaigners hope that the change of prime minister and education secretary may bring a change of heart. However, officials have signaled that a U-turn is unlikely. The letter is part of a broader effort to keep the pressure on the government and to ensure that the voices of SEND families are heard.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the fight for SEND rights is far from over. Parents, advocates, and celebrities like Chris Packham are determined to hold the government accountable and protect the most vulnerable children in our society.

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