Update: SEND White Paper & the Armed Forces community

Military families are disproportionately affected by SEND-related issues, and the unique challenges of Service life often intensify the shortcomings in the current system. Today’s announcement on SEND reform will therefore have a significant impact on the Armed Forces Community.

MPs and those supporting military families may wish to note the provisions made within the White Paper to address these concerns and to ensure that Armed Forces' voices are reflected in the ongoing consultation process.

What Has Been Done

Last week, as Chair of the Armed Forces Community APPG, I met with Minister Gould, Minister for School Standards, to discuss how the concerns raised by Service families have been considered in the reforms announced today. Key topics included:

• The challenges families face when posted between devolved nations where SEND systems differ.

• Delays in securing school places due to requirements for a settled address rather than acceptance of posting documentation.

• Gaps in local authority support structures, including inadequate specialist roles for Armed Forces families.

Supporting the Consultation Process

To ensure the Armed Forces Community can engage directly with the Department for Education during this consultation, Minister Gould has agreed to take part in a dedicated roundtable, which my office will be organising in conjunction with the APPG secretariat, the Royal British Legion. The meeting will be open to all those affected by, or supporting, the Armed Forces Community, providing an opportunity to engage with the Department for Education as part of the consultation process for the newly published White Paper.