WILTSHIRE Council has welcomed the government’s newly published White Paper, setting out national proposals to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The paper – Every Child Achieving and Thriving: Schools – outlines plans to strengthen mainstream inclusion, including improved access to specialist practitioners, enhanced teacher training and a more consistent early-intervention model across all schools.

While the changes are designed to make inclusion a routine part of every school’s approach, schools will need to adapt to new expectations around resources, workforce capacity and delivering tailored support for pupils with diverse needs.

The council said it is reviewing the proposals in full and will provide more detailed information to families, schools and partners once further guidance is received from the Department for Education.

Cabinet member for children’s services, SEND, education and skills Cllr Jon Hubbard said: “We really welcome the publication of the White Paper, which provides long awaited clarity for SEND families and our Local Area partners.

“I’m genuinely excited to get to work on understanding the detail and beginning the next stage of our journey in Wiltshire.

“While nothing will change immediately, this gives us a strong foundation to build on the progress we’ve already made together.

“The focus on mainstream support, early intervention and multi-agency working aligns perfectly with the priorities we’ve been driving locally, and I’m enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.

“Most importantly, we remain absolutely committed to protecting and improving the experience of children and young people with SEND here in Wiltshire—ensuring they get the right support, in the right place, at the right time.”

The council stressed that publication of the White Paper does not bring immediate changes.

Existing services, EHCP arrangements and pathways remain in place while the proposals go through a Department for Education consultation, which closes on May 18, ahead of a bill being presented to Parliament later this year.

Families can continue to access updates through the Wiltshire Local Offer.