The Government’s recent Schools White Paper and the accompanying SEND reform proposals represent a significant shift for local areas
Although much of the national detail is still developing, the direction is clear: councils will need to demonstrate greater consistency, transparency and coordination across settings. For local leaders, this presents both challenge and opportunity – and places digital capability at the heart of delivering a responsive, joined-up service.
At Idox, we have been working closely with local authorities to understand their reflections on the proposals and what the next few years may require. Many councils tell us they are already evaluating the impact on documentation, workloads and multi-agency communication. They also want confidence that the systems they rely on will evolve in step with the reforms. These conversations continue to shape our roadmap and the priorities we are investing in.
One proposed change attracting considerable attention is the potential introduction of Individual Support Plans for all children with identified needs. While final policy decisions remain under consultation, the implications for scale, workflow and record-keeping are already clear. Councils want tools that support consistency across settings, streamline contributions from professionals and reduce duplication for families.
Idox’s cloud-based SEND case management platform is already supporting transparent workflows, statutory compliance and coordinated decision-making across England. But what most distinguishes our approach is the collaborative relationship we maintain with users. Through working groups, research activity and structured product feedback, local authorities directly influence new features, enhancements and long-term priorities. This ensures our technology reflects real operational pressures and supports teams to work efficiently.
We are also investing in the digital foundations that local areas tell us matter most: secure information sharing, visibility of timelines, better support for early intervention and improved communication with education settings. These priorities align closely with the national direction of travel, giving councils confidence that their digital infrastructure is stable, future-ready and capable of adapting as the reforms take shape.
As Jamie Rowell, Idox Head of Product & Strategy (Social Care), notes, “The proposed move towards ISPs will significantly increase documentation and coordination. Our focus is on ensuring authorities have systems that can adapt as policy evolves – and that support early, fair and effective help for children.”
Upcoming Idox Webinar – 11 June
NextGen SEND Case Management:
Preparing for ISPs & the 2026 Reforms
Join Idox and a guest SEN Service Manager for a practical, peer-led session on what’s next for SEND – and how to prepare now.
Register now: idoxgroup.com/send-webinar
The coming years will bring meaningful change. With Idox as a trusted digital partner, local areas can plan with confidence, supported by technology and expertise that help deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families.
