Reforming the SEND system is urgent and essential and we need to work in partnership with parents and across the sector to do this well. I am pleased to have been asked to lead this group and to make a contribution to this important work.

New post out: "SEND help" Everything you need to know about the government's special educational needs plans. Covering: the problem the govt is trying to solve; key proposals; three big issues that will cause problems; the politics. (£/free trial) open.substack.com/pub/samf/p…

We promised to put parents, professionals and young people at the heart of building a new SEND system. Over the last 18 month 1000's of you have helped us to do just that, sharing your experiences and expertise. As we published our SEND reform proposals today, I hope you could see how your contributions have helped shape a set of proposals that will support every child with SEND to achieve, thrive and fulfil their potential. For those who haven't yet had chance to have your say, please do get involved in our 12 week consultation as we continue to work together to build a system that supports the needs of all SEND children. You can find out more here - gov.uk/government/consultati…

Labour sees the value and worth in every single child. The SEND reform we are setting out will see us improve support — not remove it. We want to see every child achieve and thrive. thetimes.com/article/0d3cc71…

Ahead of the publication of the Schools White Paper and SEND reform plans, I spoke to @tes with my reflections from chairing the DfE’s expert advisory group for Inclusion, and looking ahead to the opportunities in front of us. tes.com/magazine/news/genera…

Heading to the Isle of Wight with ⁦@TomRees_77⁩ and ⁦@ChildrensComm⁩ team - looking forward to meeting children on the Island tomorrow to hear what they want for their futures.

Did you hear @TomRees_77 on @BBC SEND in the Spotlight podcast? Tom joined @BBCNuala, @kelliedbright and Marsha Martin to discuss mainstream inclusion, his work for the Government's EAG, Inclusion in Practice and his motivation behind the work: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0mtg57…

'Teaching SEND pupils in mainstream schools - what is working and what is not?': a fascinating, illuminating and candid discussion on this @BBCSounds podcast with Marsha Martin, @TomRees_77, and @KellieBrightLY: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mtg5…

For too long, families have been fighting to be heard. We're changing that. We're holding the biggest national conversation on SEND in a generation – and we want to hear from you. Join the conversation 👇 consult.education.gov.uk/sen…

Early identification of SEND matters, but teachers need the right support to do it well. New piece in Tes: "6 ways to identify pupils' needs early" by Anne Heavey Read: tes.com/magazine/teaching-le…

I am looking for my new cohort of Youth Ambassadors, who will work with me in my final year as Commissioner & play a critical role in holding decision makers accountable to improve children's lives. Find out more & hear my current Ambassadors experiences: childrenscommissioner.gov.uk…

We don't need to start from scratch to strengthen and refine inclusive practice. @Ambition_Inst CEO Hilary Spencer on: ✅Building on existing evidence ✅ Learning from schools leading the way ✅ Supporting educators now Read the blog: inclusioninpractice.org.uk/l…

Last week, I enjoyed attending various conferences events with Georgia Gould, Schools Minister, as part of a national conversation on special educational needs and disabilities. linkedin.com/posts/tom-rees-…

It's the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. (Hint: we’re all responsible)

Congratulations @WrennSchool. Great to see you win this and thanks for all you’re doing for kids and families in Wellingborough (and EB!). 👏👏👏

This week our 🔎Friday Focus🔍 turns to excellent work happening @StarAcademies to build systems, processes and provision with inclusion at the heart of them. Read all about it here: inclusioninpractice.org.uk/w…. Five point summary below >>

I don’t like cricket…

Dr Jennifer Barker, National Director of Learning: inclusive teaching benefits all pupils, and especially those who depend on it most. We need to move from a reactive, deficit-focused, diagnosis-driven model towards a proactive, inclusive approach centred on high-quality, universally designed core instruction. Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/49cbjn3w #OATConf25 #Inclusion

Our trust improvement strategy is built on our principles for inclusion and equity. Any system of improvement cannot be in addition to a system for inclusion. Only by doing this can we deliver truly inclusive practice. #OATConf25 #Inclusion