Statement from James Waller, Chairperson of Equals
“Today marks an exciting and hopeful moment for the future of education in England. The Government’s proposals represent a clear commitment to earlier intervention, greater consistency, and a stronger culture of inclusion across the whole system. Specialist schools have a vital role to play in this vision, and Equals welcomes the emphasis on collaboration, evidence‑based practice and shared responsibility for all learners. We look forward to supporting schools, settings and professionals nationwide as these reforms take shape, ensuring that children with the most complex needs (and their families) benefit from a more coherent, ambitious and inclusive future.”
Equals today welcomed the publication of the Government’s Schools White Paper – Every Child Achieving and Thriving and the consultation SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, marking what the organisation describes as a “defining moment” for the future of inclusive and specialist education in England.
Earlier today, Equals Chairperson, James Waller, was invited to 10 Downing Street to discuss the reforms directly with the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Keir Starmer, focusing on the Government’s ambitions to improve early support, strengthen inclusion, and ensure children’s needs are met earlier and more effectively across all phases of education.
Following the meeting, James travelled to Peterborough to join the Secretary of State for Education, The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, as she launched both publications and outlined the Government’s vision for a more coherent, equitable and ambitious education system.
The reforms emphasise:
- The restructuring of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to improve clarity, consistency and timeliness.
- The development of National Inclusion Standards setting out expectations for high‑quality mainstream and specialist provision.
- An expanded and redefined role for specialist settings, ensuring strong outreach, partnership and support for mainstream schools.
- A renewed focus on early identification, multi‑agency collaboration, and equitable access to support in every local area.
Whilst James was in attendance due to his role as role as Headteacher of Sunningdale School, Sunningdale EY Centre and Director of SENhub in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, he also represented the wider specialist sector at the roundtable event, contributing insights from the perspective of schools serving children and young people with the most complex learning needs.
A Milestone for the Sector — and a New Chapter for Equals
Today’s announcements reflect a significant policy shift towards one inclusive education system in which mainstream and specialist settings work more cohesively. This vision closely aligns with Equals’ long‑standing commitment to ensuring that children with the most complex needs are supported, valued and enabled to thrive.
As the sector enters this new era of reform, Equals will:
- continue to champion the highest quality curriculum, pedagogy and practice for learners with profound, severe and complex needs
- expand its programme of online and in‑person professional development, supporting teachers, leaders and support staff across all phases
- strengthen networks enabling collaboration between specialist and mainstream settings
- support schools to interpret and implement the new National Inclusion Standards, enhanced training requirements, and evolving expectations around personalised support
- work with partners across education, health and social care to ensure reforms lead to genuine improvements in experience and outcomes for children and young people