SEND review

The campaign was set up in response to the long-awaited SEND Review aimed to ensure that the education system works for autistic children and young people, advocating for key improvements in SEND services. The Government published a ‘green paper’ which was the Government’s initial thinking on changes to the SEND system. 

During the consultation period we asked for the views and experiences of autistic young people and their families. We had nearly 2,000 responses to our SEND system survey – completed by autistic young people, parents and carers.

What did the SEND Review campaign involve?

Based on the experiences of the nearly 2,000 autistic young people, parents, and carers who completed our survey, we developed key recommendations to address gaps in the SEND system, including better inclusion in schools, improved autism training for staff, and ensuring schools receive appropriate support to meet SEND needs.
 

Our recommendations included:

• Ensure schools are more inclusive environments for all pupils, including inclusive uniform, attendance, and behavioural policies
• Protect young people and families’ existing SEND rights, and ensure they are enforced  
• Require all education staff to be trained in autism and involve autistic young people in the development of the training  
• Make sure schools cannot get a good or outstanding Ofsted judgement without high-quality SEND support. 
   

Download and share the Youth Network’s plan.

Accessible versions of the SEND review Green Paper

Read our first response to the SEND review proposals

Download the Written Off? report

What were the outcomes of the SEND Review campaign?

Following the campaign, we submitted our recommendations to the Government, highlighting the need for clear protections for families’ rights and better support for children with autism in schools. 

We built out key asks with the help of our Autistic Youth Network. We continue to advocate for the implementation of a transparent funding system and better collaboration between mainstream and specialist education providers.

Through ongoing efforts, we are committed to ensuring the SEND system is truly inclusive and supportive of autistic young people’s needs. Please look at our current campaigns to see how you can get involved. 

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The Ambitious Youth Network’s involvement 

The Ambitious Youth Network helped make this campaign happen. Not only through providing feedback, but through video explaining why these changes continue to be important.  Please see below some of the videos that were produced for this campaign.

Meg's views

Meg from our Ambitious Youth Network explains why she is passionate about making change for other autistic young people through the SEND Review.

Etta's thoughts

Etta says the SEND review must work for all autistic pupils.

Jo’s experience

Jo says the Government must ensure all schools can welcome autistic learners.

Jessie’s experience

Watch Jessie explain what she thinks needs to change in the SEND system.

Megan’s experience

Ambitious Youth Network member Megan says proposals in the SEND review will not work unless those responsible for them are held to account.