We are pleased to publish The Big SEND Conversation 2025/26, the largest regional workforce engagement exercise of its kind undertaken
across London.
Almost 600 SEND professionals from local authorities, education, health and partner organisations shared their experiences, perspectives and aspirations, creating a unique picture of the workforce that supports children and young people with SEND across the capital.
The report represented the voice of the SEND workforce, exploring the opportunities and challenges facing the SEND workforce, including workload pressures, wellbeing, recruitment and retention, multi-agency working, inclusion, digital innovation and hopes and fears for reforms. Successful system reform and workforce
reform must go hand in hand.
The findings highlight a workforce that is highly committed to improving outcomes for children and families and emphasises their role as one of the most significant factors of successful reforms implementation and lasting impact.
The report contains 6 recommendations – both regional and national.