Support for Schools following SEND White Paper February 2026

Explore the latest Picture News Symbols resource here! In February 2026, the UK government published its long-awaited schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving , alongside a consultation on SEND reform titled Putting Children and Young People First . The central aim of this policy is to transform how children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported in schools , particularly by strengthening inclusion in mainstream settings. Rather than relying solely on formal Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the White Paper introduces a layered approach to support, where most pupils can access adaptive teaching and early interventions within their everyday classrooms . Schools are expected to embed inclusive practice at the first sign of need, supported by initiatives such as the I nclusive Mainstream Fund and the Experts at Hand programme, ensuring specialists like speech and language therapists and educational psychologists are available to mainstream settings. The goal is to create classrooms where every child feels included, supported, and confident — a vision that aligns closely with Picture News’ mission to make current events and news learning accessible to all pupils. Picture News is proud to be recognised by Widgit as a Symbol-Friendly Organisation. Bringing the Class Together Through Weekly News Exploration Inclusive education relies on providing all pupils — regardless of ability, background or language — with learning that is engaging, meaningful, and accessible. Picture News supports this goal through a weekly news-based curriculum that invites children to explore real-world events, ask questions, and make connections to their own lives. With Picture News Primary , teachers can introduce a news story each week in an age-appropriate way, with discussion prompts, activities, and frameworks that promote reflection, critical thinking, and participation across the class. For pupils with SEND, especially those with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), accessing news stories can be challenging. This is where Picture News Symbols come in. These visual supports accompany the same weekly stories, providing clear imagery, simplified language, and visual cues that make learning accessible for all. By pairing Picture News Primary with Picture News Symbols , schools can ensure that every pupil engages with the same topic, fostering inclusion and shared learning in line with the White Paper’s vision. This side-by-side view shows how the same story is presented in a way that is visually accessible for pupils using Symbols while still covering the same content as the Primary resource, reinforcing inclusive learning for all. Side-by-side comparison of Picture News Primary and Picture News Symbols for the same news story. Building PSHE Skills Through Open, Respectful, and Inclusive Conversations The SEND White Paper highlights the importance of universal teaching approaches that support pupils’ wellbeing, participation, and self-regulation. Picture News provides rich opportunities for this through weekly news stories, which often explore themes such as fairness, community, resilience, and responsibility. Picture News Symbols make these discussions accessible to learners who might struggle with language or abstract concepts . Children using symbols can participate in PSHE discussions alongside their peers, contributing to conversations, building empathy, and strengthening social-emotional learning. This approach mirrors the White Paper’s vision: inclusive, adaptive teaching that supports children within the classroom environment , rather than separating them into different provision. Supporting Oracy and Having a Voice Oracy — the ability to express ideas, listen, and engage in dialogue — is crucial for academic and social development. Picture News provides an authentic context for pupils to develop these skills. Weekly discussions supported by Picture News Symbols help learners articulate their thoughts, structure responses, and contribute confidently to class conversations. Pupils with communication challenges can participate fully, using visual supports to follow discussions and express their views. This inclusive approach ensures that all voices are heard, aligning with the White Paper’s goal of classrooms where every child feels confident, connected, and able to participate fully in learning. Pupils at Doncaster School for the Deaf. Real-World Learning for Every Child Picture News aims to make news learning accessible to every child. The SEND White Paper’s reforms make this approach even more relevant: schools are being asked to deliver inclusive, adaptive teaching that engages all learners. Picture News Primary and Picture News Symbols together provide: Weekly, real-world themes that connect learning to life outside the classroom Dual formats that allow teachers to meet diverse needs without segregating learners Opportunities for inclusive dialogue, reflection, and participation By integrating these resources into the classroom, schools can embed inclusive practice week after week , ensuring that every pupil can engage with the news, develop critical skills, and feel part of the learning community. Explore the latest Picture News Symbols resource here!