Parents whose children have an EHCP are being urged to respond to the government’s consultation on its SEND proposals, amid fears that the withdrawal of the right to appeal might be a done deal.
Two weeks ago, it emerged that a lawyer representing the Department for Education (DfE) had written to a parent stating that Bridget Phillipson (pictured), the education secretary, would not be considering views on appeals as part of the consultation.
It suggested there was no duty to consult if the decision had already been made.
However, the DfE has since clarified its position and updated its consultation guidance, following widespread outrage from families and SEND campaigners that they would have no redress for this vital change to SEND policy.
The SEND campaigning and support group, Special Needs Jungle, is calling on parents to send in their views to the consultation, to write to their MPs and to “flood” their own social media accounts with their thoughts on the reforms.
The organisation’s website asks parents if they are convinced by the government’s clarification, and whether they are willing to see their rights watered down.
“You might believe them, you might not. If you’re the cynical type you might think, again entirely reasonably, that they’re only doing it to get out of a tough spot and a PR nightmare,” it said.
“We would not advise you to simply plunk all your thoughts about the law into Q39—the final question. That’s way too easy for the AI they have already said they will use to strip it out.
“We would advise you to weave your thoughts on how reducing the law may adversely impact your child or other children or young people with SEND into every answer you decide to make.”
The deadline for the national SEND reform consultation is on 18 May 2026.
