Swindon SIAS

06/05/2026

SIAS will be joining the next on-line Branches event to talk about what the law and statutory guidance says about the move from primary to secondary and from secondary to post-16 with an EHCP. This event is hosted by Swindon SEND Families Voice so please email [email protected] for a Teams link

09/04/2026

Our fortnightly drop-in sessions will be back from next week Thursday, please note that they will be at the slightly earlier time of 12:00 until 3pm until further notice.

03/03/2026

You may be aware of the ongoing publicity around future SEND reforms. The White Paper which was published on 23.02.26, is a document which sets out proposed changes to legislation.

For more information on this and how to have your say on the SEND reforms White Paper please view our latest website post:

Have your say! You may be aware of the ongoing publicity around future SEND reforms. The White Paper which was published on 23.02.26, is a document which sets out proposed changes to legislation. P…

25/02/2026

23/02/2026

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has confirmed that the Schools White Paper will be published today. Setting out proposals for reforming the SEND system in England, alongside a public consultation.
We understand this news may feel unsettling. The most important thing to know right now is this:
1. The publication of the White Paper does NOT change existing SEND law.
2. Your child’s legal rights remain in place.
3. If you are told support has changed because of the White Paper, that is NOT correct.
A White Paper outlines the Government’s proposals for possible future changes to the law. It is the start of a process, not the end of one.
Once published, there will be a 12-week consultation, giving families, charities and professionals the chance to respond and influence what happens next.

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has confirmed that the Schools White Paper will be published tomorrow. Setting out proposals for reforming the SEND system in England, alongside a public consultation.

We understand this news may feel unsettling. The most important thing to know right now is this:

1. The publication of the White Paper does NOT change existing SEND law.
2. Your child’s legal rights remain in place.
3. If you are told support has changed because of the White Paper, that is NOT correct.

A White Paper outlines the Government’s proposals for possible future changes to the law. It is the start of a process, not the end of one.

Once published, there will be a 12-week consultation, giving families, charities and professionals the chance to respond and influence what happens next.

We’ve created a dedicated webpage on the Schools White Paper and SEND reforms, which we will update regularly with:

💚 Our initial response to the Government’s proposals
💚 Clear explainers on each section of the consultation
💚 Details of consultation events
💚 Dates for Contact focus groups so families can help shape our submission

Even after consultation, any changes would still need to go through Parliament. Throughout this entire process, existing SEND law remains in place.

Working alongside other charities in the Disabled Children’s Partnership, we have been clear:

❗️Reform must strengthen support, not weaken it
❗️EHCPs must be safeguarded
❗️Rights must be protected
❗️Access to support must improve
❗️Families deserve a system that works without having to fight for it

Find our dedicated webpage here: https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/education-learning/the-schools-white-paper-education-reforms/

11/02/2026

Unfortunately due to technical issues the SIAS Voicemail service is not currently available. Please contact us via email instead.

12/12/2025

PLEASE NOTE that from 15th January 2026, our drop-in sessions will change to Thursday afternoons going forward.

We will still be in the library on Wednesday 17th December 2025 for our last drop-in session this term.

22/10/2025

Is your child in their last year of primary or secondary school? Do they have an EHC plan?

Local authorities have a legal duty to review and amend an EHC plan when a child or young person is transferring from one phase of education to another (for example, from primary to secondary school) - and they must comply with statutory timescales.

If you haven’t been notified that a review of your child's EHC plan is going to take place by the autumn term, you can write to your local authority using our template letter (template letter 12).

Find out more 👉 https://www.ipsea.org.uk/moving-to-a-new-phase-of-education-with-an-ehc-plan

15/09/2025

SIAS will be offering fortnightly drop-in sessions starting on 24 September 2025