Speech and Language UK published an alternative white paper, Transforming SEND, in September 2025, to influence the Government’s upcoming Schools White Paper and its expected reform of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.
The charity, which exclusively supports children with speech and language challenges, argues that there can be no meaningful SEND reform unless the needs of this group, which makes up almost a quarter of children with SEND, are fully considered.
The alternative paper highlights that a record two million children in the UK are currently dealing with speech and language challenges. It shows how the SEND system is failing the very children it is meant to protect. As a result, many struggle to keep up in lessons, make friends, and cope with mental health issues caused by feeling misunderstood, isolated, and frustrated.
Where the System is Failing
The report identifies several key failures in the current SEND system:
Lack of Training 🧑🏫
Too many professionals, including teachers, lack the training to effectively spot issues and offer support.
Systemic Barriers 🛑
Even when challenges are identified, families face huge obstacles in getting help. Many struggle to navigate the system, as shown in the stories of Rachael (a qualified teacher and SEND mum) and Tiya (mother of a child with Developmental Language Disorder, DLD).
Workforce Shortages 📉
There are not enough speech and language therapists or specialist teachers. This creates a “postcode lottery” for families. Specialist schools are also limited and geographically sparse.
Protection of Rights ✅
While the current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) system is imperfect, it provides vital legal guarantees. Support for the 92,000 children with EHCPs primarily due to speech and language challenges must be protected.
The Path to Improvement
Speech and Language UK sets out evidence-based solutions that the Government must adopt to ensure children with speech and language challenges thrive at school.
Invest in Expertise and Training
The Government must:
- Invest in speech and language support for all pupils, not just those already struggling.
- Mandate that initial and ongoing training for teachers and nursery staff includes spotting and supporting these children, such as adapting lessons and using technology like augmented and alternative communication (AAC).
- Ensure every school has access to specialists, including speech and language therapists and specialist teachers with appropriate qualifications.
Reform Learning and Provision
- Rethink the curriculum to prioritise the development of speech, language, and communication skills from the Early Years Foundation Stage through the National Curriculum. These skills are the foundation for all learning.
- Reform behaviour and attendance policies so children are not unfairly punished for behaviours linked to their challenges.
- Deliver sufficient quality special schools across England for children with complex needs, and establish a national accreditation programme for speech, language, and communication specialist schools.
- Ensure resourced provision is done right. This means creating more inclusive units across the country for all age groups, staffed by specialists, to reduce long travel times and avoid segregation.
Guarantee Support and Understanding
- Protect children’s rights by law, guaranteeing access to support so families do not have to fight for it. This should include providing free advocacy during the EHCP process.
- Launch a National Year of Speech and Language to raise awareness, provide information, and change public perceptions so families do not feel isolated.
- Recognise different challenges. Government programmes aimed at preventable difficulties are not appropriate for lifelong conditions such as Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
A Call to Action
By acting on these achievable solutions, the Government can unlock opportunities for millions of children. This would lead to long-lasting positive impacts on mental health, education, employment prospects, and wider societal savings.
📖 Read the full white paper here: Transforming SEND, An alternative white paper
✉️ Show your support here: Transforming SEND – Email your MP