Inputs from Rushcliffe for the upcoming Schools White Paper
James Naish, Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe, has published a detailed report summarising three roundtable discussions that took place in Rushcliffe in September 2025. Over 135 people expressed an interest in attending the discussions, with dozens of them completing surveys and sharing their stories in advance. The final discussions were attended by over 60 educators, parents and carers who openly shared their lived experiences of the broken SEND system.
James has been struck by the determination of parents, carers, teachers and support staff working tirelessly to support vulnerable children. At the same time, he has heard deep frustrations that SEND support is too often reactive, opaque, and only provided once children reach crisis point, eroding trust between families, schools, local authorities and government.
The forthcoming Schools White Paper comes at a critical moment. James argues that restoring confidence in the SEND system requires earlier identification, timely and holistic support, clear and inclusive practice, strengthened alternative provision, and a funding and accountability framework that empowers schools and parents – so families are not forced to fight alone and educators are not left managing increasingly complex needs without adequate support.
The report concludes with five recommendations:
- Embed early support and pre-diagnostic pathways through mandated screening for SEND indicators, creating cross-agency hubs and more equitable access for marginal groups.
- Streamline assessment and EHCP processes by creating a light-touch EHCP , strengthening co-production and enabling regular reviews during key transition periods.
- Strengthen inclusion capacity in mainstream schools by introducing nationwide training, embedding specialist roles and providing alternative pathways from at least Key Stage 3.
- Reform funding, accountability and rebuild trust by addressing funding inequalities, putting inclusion at the heart of school assessments and putting SEND at the heart of the NHS.
- Co-creation and phased implementation of reforms by piloting in areas with strong local buy-in and building in review points, independent auditing and flexibility
