SEND reform: what it means for FE and skills providers

The Government’s SEND White Paper proposes the most significant reforms since 2014, reshaping the system with a stronger emphasis on inclusion, earlier intervention and clearer accountability. While much of the public debate has centred on schools, there will still be a profound practical impact on further education and skills provision. 

For FE providers, the headline change is the introduction of a new four-tier support structure: Universal, Targeted, Targeted Plus and Specialist. EHCPs would in future be reserved for learners requiring a nationally defined Specialist Provision Package, with many other learners supported through digital Individual Support Plans. That shift signals a move away from reliance on EHCP-driven funding where the funding follows the learner towards strengthened mainstream inclusion capacity, where the funding is allocated using a different methodology. In theory this should give providers more flexibility to design support and inclusive mainstream programmes however, much of the mechanisms of this are still to be confirmed. 

Funding reform is therefore critical. The White Paper outlines significant investment in mainstream inclusion, embedded multi-agency professionals and workforce training between 2026 and 2029. FE providers will expect clarity on access to these streams. Longer term, funding changes from 2029/30 aim to route more resource through core budgets rather than learner-specific high needs top-ups, potentially reshaping financial planning across the sector. It is therefore important that all provider types in the post-16 ecosystem can access the planned initiatives, so that wherever a young person chooses to study, they can receive the support they need.

There will be stronger accountability across the system. Under the new inspection framework, Ofsted and the CQC will assess inclusion more rigorously, with clearer expectations around how settings identify and meet need. Schools will be required to publish an annual Inclusion Strategy, with proportionate arrangements being developed for FE settings. Strengthened guidance on reasonable adjustments, explicitly not dependent on diagnosis, and the shift toward early, evidence-based support mean that providers, including FE settings, will need robust processes for identifying emerging needs and demonstrating how these are addressed through high quality provision.

Transitions and employment pathways are another key area. The reforms propose stronger 12-month transition planning, improved careers guidance, and continued expansion of supported internships and inclusive apprenticeships. For FE and skills providers, this creates both opportunity and responsibility: bridging the gap between education and sustained employment for young people with complex needs. However, we continue to engage with the DfE to ensure that non-traditional start dates and transition to an apprenticeship are also part of the thinking. We know that the transition for many young people is not a liner one and new transition processes must be agile enough to support all young people through the transition into and out of post-16 education and skills training. 

The success of reform will depend on whether FE providers are properly resourced and empowered to deliver inclusive, high-quality pathways into work and adult life. We will continue to engage closely with the DfE as consultation progresses to press home this point. We are also hoping to put on some joint roundtables with members so we can feedback into the process. Please keep an eye out for details in due course.  

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing organisations operating in the skills sector. AELP members deliver a range of training and vocational learning – including the majority of apprenticeships as well as Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 Study Programme, Adult Education Budget and more.

For further information or interviews please contact Matt Strong, Communications Manager, AELP, on 07920 161685 or [email protected]