Story perspectives

Government's Education Reforms Spark Anxiety Over Special Needs

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The government will publish an education white paper next week outlining reforms to special educational needs in England.
Political correspondent Alexandra Topping notes there is consensus the system is broken, but the mood remains tense.
Disability rights campaigners warn the reforms may prioritise cost-cutting over genuine improvements.
Families, including teenager Jake and his mother Laura, express anxiety about the education system's future and trust in the government.

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Story summary

The government will publish an education white paper next week outlining reforms to special educational needs in England.
Political correspondent Alexandra Topping notes there is consensus the system is broken, but the mood remains tense.
Disability rights campaigners warn the reforms may prioritise cost-cutting over genuine improvements.
Families, including teenager Jake and his mother Laura, express anxiety about the education system's future and trust in the government.