DfE SEND AP Change Programme extended until March 2026

Guest blogpost written by Jacqui Dundas, Head of Service for Education and Inclusion at Wakefield Council.

Foreword from Sean Hanson

I’m delighted to confirm that IMPOWER will be continuing as part of the REACh consortium delivering the next phase of the DfE SEND AP Change Programme until March 2026.

It’s been a privilege to be involved in such an important national programme so far: working alongside fantastic partners who share our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. Being part of a truly collaborative effort like this has been both energising and inspiring.

As we look ahead, I am excited to continue building on this success, bringing our insight, experience and energy to the table, helping to shape and deliver the next phase of work. We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to continue learning and sharing as we work together with local areas and national partners to drive meaningful change. Thanks to everyone in the consortium and beyond for the brilliant work so far—we’re looking forward to what comes next.

Below are some reflections from Jacqui Dundas, Head of Service – Inclusion Strategy & Performance at Wakefield Council, who gives her perspective on the programme so far, and a look ahead.

Reflections on the Programme So Far

When Wakefield entered the Change Programme as the lead local authority for the Yorkshire & Humber Change Programme Partnership (CPP), our local context mirrored national challenges: rising SEND demand, pressure on specialist provision, and a need for a coherent, joined-up approach across education, health, and care systems. What we’ve seen since is a steady shift—not only in how we operate, but how we think.

Through the programme, Wakefield has been empowered to act as a system leader, convening cross-sector partners across Bradford, Calderdale, and Leeds to tackle deep-rooted challenges with ambition and innovation. The ‘test and learn’ approach has been a clear strength—enabling rapid trialling and scaling of what works, while offering flexibility to pivot where impact is limited.

The programme’s second phase has enhanced our ability to embed inclusive practice in mainstream settings. Projects like the AV1 robot scheme, Inclusive Settings grants, and our transitions team have driven new thinking across the district and inspired confidence in early, holistic support.

Reflections for System Colleagues Outside the Programme

One of the most tangible impacts of the Change Programme has been our growing ability to deliver the right support, at the right time. Our SEMH Early Help pilot across 28 schools, for example, has enabled children’s needs to be met through multi-agency collaboration and trauma-informed support, thereby reducing the risk of these needs increasing. Similarly, the transitions team has provided focused wraparound support to over 80 young people, improving engagement and the likelihood of successful transition for young people moving between educational placements.

We’ve learned that early, sustained partnership working—with a clear data-led approach—delivers better outcomes. Our experience suggests that any local area, regardless of current pressures, can begin reform by investing in inclusive culture and leadership at the school level. Universal CPD offers, supported by our “Inclusive Wakefield” programme, have been instrumental in building that capacity across settings.

For those not currently in the Change Programme, our advice is simple: start with shared ambition, use data to drive decisions, and create space for reflective practice. The national rollout must be built on the success of these local innovations—carefully scaled, with the needs of each community in mind.

The Role and Value of the REACh Consortium

Working with IMPOWER, as part of the REACh Consortium, has added significant value to our programme. Their expertise in system leadership, facilitation, and co-design has helped us think bigger while staying grounded in practical delivery. They’ve supported us to draw insights from across the region, challenged our assumptions constructively, and acted as a critical friend throughout.

To maximise this support during the extension phase, we plan to deepen collaboration on data insights, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of learning—particularly around how to sustain impact once DfE funding ends. Their ongoing challenge and support will be crucial in moving from innovation to embedded practice.

Looking Ahead: Our Hopes for the Next 12 Months

As we look towards March 2026, the national picture is one of cautious optimism. There’s growing consensus about what needs to change—and now, a shared responsibility to deliver. For Wakefield and our CPP partners, the extension year is an opportunity to embed the most impactful projects and share our learning regionally and nationally. We anticipate a continued focus on strengthening mainstream inclusion, enhancing transitions, and building more robust data systems to measure lived experience.

The learning and innovation from the Change Programme must now be used to inform national policy and local action. With the right investment and partnership working, we can ensure that every child—regardless of need—gets the support they need to thrive.