Dr Leda Kamenopoulou and contributors explore the 2026 Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving. They also explore the government consultation, SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First.
They examine their implications for inclusion, specialist provision, and outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly those with sensory impairments and complex needs.
As the government seeks to reform SEND provision in England, questions remain about how policy ambitions translate into meaningful change for learners and families. In this episode, a panel of experts on sensory impairment, inclusive education, and teacher education reflects on the opportunities and challenges presented by the Government’s White Paper.
The discussion considers key themes including early identification and intervention, workforce development, and the extent to which current proposals address the needs of children and young people with hearing, vision, and multisensory impairments.
The episode also explores broader debates about inclusion and educational outcomes. Contributors examine:
- the relationship between mainstream and specialist provision
- the expertise required to support learners with sensory and complex needs, and
- how success should be measured beyond academic attainment alone.
Drawing on research, policy analysis, and professional experience, the conversation offers a balanced and thought-provoking perspective on what is needed to ensure that reforms lead not only to higher standards, but also to genuine belonging, participation, and equitable opportunities for all learners.
Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2026/sep/achieving-and-thriving-experts-respond-schools-white-paper-inclusive-voices-deafblindness
Image: New Africa via Adobe Stock.
More IOE Insights podcasts: https://uclioe.info/podcast
UCL Institute of Education: https://ucl.ac.uk/ioe
