SEND reform: what's changed, what hasn't, and what helps now

1. Opening note

Hello, and welcome to the first Dyslexic Thinker Notes.

I'm Marlon. I'm dyslexic, I've taught English for more than 17 years, and I run Marlon James-Edwards Ltd.

Each month I'll do three things. Explain the education news that matters, in plain English. Share where to find support.

And give you one wellbeing idea you can use straight away.

All of it through a SEND lens. Because what helps learners with SEND usually helps the whole class.

2. What's happening

SEND reform: still waiting

Here's the headline for families. Nothing has changed in law yet.

• The government's response to the SEND consultation was expected this month. On 3 November, i reported it has slipped to the new year.
• The same day, DfE SEND adviser Christine Lenehan said the bill will come in the new year, with the new system starting in September 2029. Schools Week
• Government guidance for parents says children with an existing EHCP would only start moving to the new system from 2030, at natural changes such as primary to secondary.

My take: waiting is hard, especially when your child needs help now. If your child has an EHCP, keep using it. Annual reviews still matter.

Keep notes on what works.

The concern is real. i reports 718,800 children and young people had an EHCP in January, up 12.5% in a year. And on 10 November, a cross-party group warned the plans will not meet the needs of pupils with SEND. The Telegraph

Dyslexia in the system

On 5 November, the British Dyslexia Association and ILT Education UK launched a survey for SENCOs and SEND leaders in England.

The BDA's figures are stark. In 2025, 21% of pupils with a Specific Learning Difficulty met the expected standard at the end of Key Stage 2. For pupils with no recorded SEN, it was 74%.

My take, as a BDA trustee: if you're a SENCO, please give it 10 minutes. Your experience shapes what comes next.

Talk is coming back to English

On 15 October, the Education Secretary said speaking and listening will have equal status with reading and writing, right up to GCSE. The Telegraph

On 8 November, the DfE said Key Stage 3 will be a full three-year stage again, and schools should not start GCSE courses early for large groups. GOV.UK

My take: this could be great news. Many dyslexic learners explain brilliantly out loud. But there's no exam detail or timeline yet.

Any speaking assessment must be fair to quiet, anxious and EAL learners too.

Look after your head teacher

On 10 November, the Guardian reported an NAHT survey of heads inspected under Ofsted's new framework. 52% said they are thinking of leaving their job sooner than planned.

My take, as a governor: leaders' wellbeing is not a side issue. Stressed leaders find it harder to build inclusive schools.

3. Community corner

• Anti-Bullying Week runs 16 to 20 November. The theme is Break the Silence, and Odd Socks Day is Monday 16 November. Anti-Bullying Alliance
• SENCOs: the BDA survey is anonymous and takes about 10 minutes.
• Need free, impartial SEND advice? Search your council's name plus "SENDIASS".
• A story I loved: Andrew Wilson found out he was dyslexic at 23. He has just published his first novel, after about 120 rejections. BBC News

4. Wellbeing idea: the two-minute check-in

An independent review published in October says support should not depend only on a diagnosis. It calls for a "needs-led plus diagnosis" approach. Here's a summary from nasen.

You can start being needs-led at home tonight. Pick a calm moment, like in the car or on a walk. Ask three questions:

1. What felt easy today?
2. What felt hard?
3. What would help tomorrow?

Write the answers down. After two weeks, you'll see patterns. Share them with school.

It's a calm, useful conversation, and it breaks the silence.

5. From my desk: say it before you write it

Before writing an answer, say it out loud in three points. Record it as a voice note if that helps. Then write it, one point per paragraph.

I've used this with dyslexic learners for years. It turns talk into a plan, and it's good practice for the speaking skills that are coming back into English.

6. Your turn

What's the one thing you wish school understood about how your child learns? Or, if you teach: about how you teach.

I read every reply. With your permission, I may share some next month, without names.

If this helped, pass it on to one parent or colleague. To talk about tuition, school training or a talk, book a free first conversation.

Until next month,
Marlon