Schools White Paper
What is the Schools White Paper – and why does it matter?
You may have seen recent coverage of the Government's Schools White Paper which was released yesterday, and the proposals outlined in a consultation about the future of SEND provision.
We know that national policy discussions like this can sometimes feel worrying, so we wanted to offer some reassurance.
FAQs
The Schools White Paper has prompted a number of important questions. These FAQs aim to clarify key points, explain what is known so far, and outline how the proposals affect your child’s education at Aurora.
Is anything changing for my child right now?
There are no immediate changes to your child’s support, EHCP or school placement. The SEND reform proposals are currently in consultation, and nothing has been finalised.
Your child’s provision remains exactly as it is.
Are EHCPs being removed or replaced?
EHCPs are not being removed under the current proposals. Parents’ and carers rights to appeal through tribunal would also remain in place.
There are no proposed changes to EHCP support before September 2029.
Will my child lose their specialist school place?
Your child’s placement remains exactly the same. There are no immediate changes to EHCPs, funding, admissions or the provision your child receives.
Any future changes would be introduced gradually over several years and only after consultation.
When would any changes actually happen?
Even if proposals are approved, changes would be phased in over time. Full implementation would not be expected until 2035.
Nothing is changing now.
What is the new three-tier support model?
The White Paper proposes three levels of support:
- Targeted
- Targeted Plus
- Specialist
Children who require Specialist Provision would continue to have EHCPs.
What is Aurora doing about this?
The White Paper has entered a 12‑week consultation period. This is to allow children, young people and their families, schools, colleges, local authorities and others to feedback and share their experiences before any decisions are made.
Aurora will take an active and constructive role in the consultation process and will keep families fully informed as developments progress.
We’ll be making sure that the voices of our children, young people, families and staff are heard, and that the needs of those in specialist settings are clearly represented.
We understand that uncertainty can feel unsettling, and we are here to support you.
