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2026
Afrikindness attended the final formal SEND Reform Consultation in Leeds with the Department for Education, alongside Josh MacAlister MP, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, senior SEND leaders, and sector representatives.
The consultation forms part of the government’s proposed SEND reforms under the vision Every Child Achieving and Thriving, aimed at creating a more inclusive, joined-up, and evidence-based system for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The reforms are seeking to address increasing pressures across the SEND system, including rising EHCP numbers, long waiting lists, inconsistent provision, workforce pressures, and challenges families face in accessing timely support. Proposed changes include earlier intervention, stronger inclusion within mainstream schools, improved collaboration between education, health and care services, and new national inclusion standards.
During discussions, Afrikindness highlighted the experiences of many Black, African, Caribbean, and culturally diverse families who continue to face barriers including delayed support, cultural misunderstanding, complex pathways, and difficulties navigating systems. The organisation emphasised the importance of culturally responsive safeguarding, stronger partnership with parents and communities, and better strategic planning through robust SEND data and locality-based approaches.
Afrikindness also shared key priorities for the National Inclusion Standards, including:
- Stronger partnership with parents and communities
- Culturally responsive and accessible SEND support
- Improved strategic planning and long-term SEND data infrastructure
- Earlier intervention and clearer pathways for families
Speaking following the consultation, Afrikindness CEO, Bunmi Owolabi reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that SEND reform is shaped not only by policy, but by lived experience and community voice.
The reforms remain in consultation and are not yet law. Families, professionals, schools, and community organisations still have opportunities to contribute feedback and shape the future direction of SEND support in England.
📖 Read the full article here: SEND Reform
For media enquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:
ceo@afrikindness.org
