Somerset Council Leader calls new SEND proposals "encouraging" but warns momentum must continue
Cllr Bill Revans has said spending has soared while outcomes for children have not improved and families in Somerset are still waiting for help
Somerset's Council leader has said new government plans to reform the SEND system are "encouraging" but has warned change must come quickly.
The government set out its proposals for SEND reform today (23 Feb 2026) and a 12-week consultation now begins.
Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, said the direction of travel was ‘encouraging’ but warned proposals must remain radical as they move through Parliament.
Cllr Revans stressed that "doing nothing was not an option" and highlighted that despite a £30 billion investment in SEND nationally over the past decade, educational outcomes for SEND pupils remain unchanged.
Cllr Revans said: “More and more families in Somerset feel let down by the system. I know because I’ve spoken with them during recent protests and campaigns. I’ve heard their frustration and concerns at government inaction, and I’ve listened to their heartbreaking experiences.
“The direction of travel set out today is encouraging. However it’s vital that the next 12 weeks are not a talking shop. We cannot keep ploughing on with the same system that patently isn’t working. We must now analyse the detail and grasp this opportunity for root-and-branch reform.”
The government's new proposals include resourcing mainstream schools to support more pupils with SEND needs, allowing them to be taught closer to home and a focus on early intervention within the wider system.
Cllr Revans concluded: “The timescales set out in today’s proposal’s seem reasonable and immediate investment into mainstream schools to boost inclusion is important, but it remains to be seen whether the level of investment announced today is sufficient, and government must ensure a fair distribution of resources considering the education in county areas has been underfunded for many years.
“The big prize on offer here is the chance to improve educational outcomes and experiences for young people with SEND. Doing nothing is not an option and could damage young peoples’ futures so this is why it is vital that the government ensures that these reforms are introduced as outlined today: altering the system to a more needs-led, preventative model of inclusive mainstream schools.”