Context The Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper signals the biggest change to England’s SEND system since 2014. For those working closest to pupils, the 2026 reforms are more than an administrative update—they represent a fundamental shift in how inclusion is led and delivered. For SENCOs and school leaders, this is a move away from a system driven by the “hunt for a diagnosis” and towards a genuinely needs-led approach. Below is the strategic reality of what the n

By Janet B Audit Current Documentation for “ISP-Readiness” Begin reviewing your existing SEN Support records (Pupil Passports/IEPs). Does your current system allow for digital co-production with parents, as mandated by the new statutory Individual Support Plans (ISPs)? Ensure your current records can easily transition into a standardised digital format. Create a simple “fields map” that shows how current information (needs, provision, outcomes, review date, parent/pupil voic

By Janet B This glossary explains the terms listed below and what they typically imply in day-to-day school practice. (Note: keep terminology aligned to your local authority and school policy where required.) Individual Support Plan (ISP) Original definition: Individual Support Plan (ISP): The new statutory digital record replacing all school-based SEN Support documents (IEPs, Pupil Passports). It is legally required for any student receiving "Targeted" support. What this mea