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Evaluation of the SEND and AP Change Programme. Interim Evaluation Summary

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Evaluation of the SEND and AP Change Programme. Interim Evaluation Summary
Language: English
Authors: Priya Cooper, Ali Zaidi, Beth Smiles, Department for Education (DfE) (United Kingdom), ICF Consulting Services Ltd. (United Kingdom)
Source: UK Department for Education. 2026.
Availability: UK Department for Education. Castle View House East Lane, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2GJ, UK. Tel: +44-37-0000-2288; Fax: +44-19-2873-8248; Web site: http://www.education.gov.uk
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Program Evaluation, Special Education, Special Needs Students, Students with Disabilities, Nontraditional Education, Program Effectiveness, Inclusion, Equal Education, Partnerships in Education, Stakeholders, Foreign Countries, Program Implementation, Outcomes of Education, Program Administration
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom (England)
ISBN: 978-1-83870-744-6
Abstract: This summary report presents the interim findings from an evaluation of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Change Programme (hereafter 'Change Programme'). The main aims of the evaluation are to assess whether the Change Programme is being implemented as intended, the effectiveness and quality of testing activities, and whether the initiatives and changes being tested are on track to achieve their intended outcomes. The evaluation is being undertaken by ICF Consulting Services Ltd, in partnership with RSM UK Consulting LLP and BMG Research. The Change Programme was established by the Department for Education (DfE) to test and refine potential reforms outlined in the SEND and AP Improvement Plan (March 2023), which outlined a long-term vision for building a more inclusive, consistent, and financially sustainable system for children and young people with SEND and those requiring AP. The Change Programme launched in September 2023 and will run until August 2026. The programme is being implemented through 9 Change Programme Partnerships (CPP), each composed of 2 to 4 local authorities. DfE appointed the Reaching Excellence and Ambition for all Children (REACh) Consortium as its national delivery partner to oversee testing and capture insights from all CPP local areas. This evaluation contains views from a range of stakeholders including: (1) local authorities; (2) schools and education settings; and (3) families of children and young people with SEND.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED680036
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This summary report presents the interim findings from an evaluation of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Change Programme (hereafter 'Change Programme'). The main aims of the evaluation are to assess whether the Change Programme is being implemented as intended, the effectiveness and quality of testing activities, and whether the initiatives and changes being tested are on track to achieve their intended outcomes. The evaluation is being undertaken by ICF Consulting Services Ltd, in partnership with RSM UK Consulting LLP and BMG Research. The Change Programme was established by the Department for Education (DfE) to test and refine potential reforms outlined in the SEND and AP Improvement Plan (March 2023), which outlined a long-term vision for building a more inclusive, consistent, and financially sustainable system for children and young people with SEND and those requiring AP. The Change Programme launched in September 2023 and will run until August 2026. The programme is being implemented through 9 Change Programme Partnerships (CPP), each composed of 2 to 4 local authorities. DfE appointed the Reaching Excellence and Ambition for all Children (REACh) Consortium as its national delivery partner to oversee testing and capture insights from all CPP local areas. This evaluation contains views from a range of stakeholders including: (1) local authorities; (2) schools and education settings; and (3) families of children and young people with SEND.
ISBN:978-1-83870-744-6