Special Educational Needs: Further Education
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what measures are in place to provide support for SEND students in accessing further education.
Answered by Josh MacAlister
The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice emphasises the importance of supporting young people with SEND to make a successful transition into further education (FE). Planning should begin early and involve the young person, their family, schools, colleges, and local authorities. The focus is on helping learners access and progress within FE by identifying their aspirations and ensuring appropriate support and reasonable adjustments are in place.
FE providers are required to use their best endeavours to meet learners' SEND needs, provide tailored support, and ensure equal access to learning opportunities. For learners with more complex needs, education, health and care plans can continue up to age 25, providing continuity of support through transition and participation in FE.
The government's 2026 SEND reform proposals aim to strengthen pathways into FE through earlier intervention, improved multi-agency working, enhanced mainstream provision and more consistent support, enabling young people with SEND to achieve positive post-16 outcomes.
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