In February 2026, the Department for Education published the Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, alongside the formal open consultation, SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First.
Together, these documents set out the government’s proposed direction for schools and SEND reform in England. The SEND consultation is open for responses until 18 May 2026.
BAMT is preparing its own response, but we also want to ensure that our members and the wider Music Therapy community are aware of this significant opportunity to contribute. It is vital that Music Therapists’ expertise, experience and professional insight are reflected in the consultation process.
The proposed reforms place strong emphasis on strengthening the support available within and around mainstream schools, while also ensuring that children with more complex needs can access high-quality specialist provision where this is required. This is directly relevant to Music Therapists, who work across mainstream, specialist and alternative education settings, supporting children and young people with a wide range of developmental, emotional, communication, social and learning needs.
As HCPC-registered Allied Health Professionals, Music Therapists are an important part of the multidisciplinary workforce that can help schools and specialist services respond effectively to children and young people’s needs. This consultation is therefore a key opportunity to demonstrate the value of Music Therapy, and to ensure that future SEND policy recognises the full range of therapeutic, relational and creative interventions required to help children achieve and thrive.
“This consultation is a real opportunity for Music Therapists to share their expertise, raise awareness and to have their voices heard as part of key national reforms. We know the need is there and that with the right funding and support, Music Therapists could be meeting this need and improving the provision for children with SEND.”
- Rebecca Ellis, Executive Director at Jessie’s Fund
Rebecca Ellis, Executive Director at Jessie’s Fund, has also prepared an informative and detailed guide for BAMT members, designed to help Music Therapists understand the opportunities presented by the consultation and formulate their own responses.
Download the bespoke resource provided by Jessie’s Fund here. (Please note: this will download automatically and appear in your Downloads folder. It will not open in a new page or window)
Find out more about the consultation and submit your views here.