White Paper 2026
Schools White Paper & SEND Reform – Katherine Cowell, Regional Schools Director NE, Department for Education
An update on the key policies to be aware of in the coming months, covering the Schools White Paper, SEND provision, and wider system reforms.
Schools North East Policy Update and Sector Feedback to Date – Ben Hardy, Policy Manager, Schools North East
This session will explore what the White Paper and SEND consultation mean specifically for North East schools. Drawing on early feedback from the sector, Ben will highlight key strengths, areas of concern, and how Schools North East will shape its response — including how you can contribute.
SEND Reform: What Matters Most – Sam Freedman, Senior Fellow, Institute for Government
Sam Freedman will provide expert analysis of the SEND proposals, unpacking what is likely to have the biggest impact on schools and where challenges in delivery may arise. With a focus on the North East, he will also reflect on areas where reform could have gone further and what this means in practice.