Understanding the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
What it means for families in Kent (and how to access support)
If you’re a parent, carer, or supporting a young person, you may have heard about the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, but what does it actually mean for your child?
In simple terms, this new law is designed to make sure children are safer, better supported, and don’t fall through the gaps between education, health, and social care.
For families across Kent, this is a really important shift, especially if your child has additional needs such as autism, ADHD, or learning differences.
So… what’s actually changing?
Rather than lots of complicated policy language, here’s what matters most 👇
Earlier support (before things escalate)
Services are expected to identify needs sooner. This means:
Less “waiting until crisis point”
More early help in schools and the community
Better joined-up working between professionals
👉 If you’ve ever felt like you’re repeating your child’s story again and again—this is trying to fix that.
Services working together
Health, education, and social care will now be expected to:
Share information more effectively
Work as one team around your child
Create clearer pathways for support
This aligns strongly with how we already work at Lycali—through multi-disciplinary assessments and joined-up care.
Explore how we support this here: https://www.lycali.co.uk
Changes in schools
Schools will need to:
Be more consistent in support (including academies)
Follow clearer expectations around inclusion
Focus on wellbeing as well as academic outcomes
For many families, this means:
👉 Less fighting for support
👉 More accountability from schools
Support with costs
There’s also a focus on easing pressure for families, including:
Free breakfast clubs
Support with school meals
Limits on expensive branded uniforms
SEND and neurodivergent support
While reforms are still evolving, the direction is clear:
Better identification of autism, ADHD, and learning needs
More structured support pathways
Greater focus on outcomes—not just diagnosis
What does this mean for you as a parent?
In reality, this Act is aiming to make things:
✔️ Simpler
✔️ Earlier
✔️ More joined-up
But… (and this is important)
👉 Systems take time to change
That’s why many families still look for independent support alongside school and NHS pathways.
Support for families in Kent
At Lycali, we support children, young people, and adults across Kent and nationwide with:
Assessments
Autism assessments (NICE-aligned)
ADHD assessments
Dyslexia assessments
👉 Start here (including free screening tools): https://www.lycali.co.uk
Post-diagnostic support (this is where the real change happens)
Getting a diagnosis is just the beginning.
We offer:
👉 https://www.lycali.co.uk/post-diagnosis-psychoeducation
1:1 tailored sessions
Carried out by a qualified therapist
Practical strategies for home, school or workplace settings
Emotional regulation + understanding your child’s needs
💷 £120 per session or £600 for a 6-session programme
Guidance, downloads & real-life strategies
We regularly update our resource hub with practical, easy-to-use guides for families:
👉 https://www.lycali.co.uk/resources-and-guides
Including:
Autism & ADHD in girls
After diagnosis support
Emotional regulation strategies
Executive functioning toolkits
School support guidance
Support with schools & EHCPs
👉 https://www.lycali.co.uk/school-support-guidance
We help families:
Understand school expectations
Navigate EHCP processes
Advocate for the right support
🌈 The L.Y.C.A.L.I Framework™
Our structured support model focuses on:
Understanding your child
Building confidence
Developing real-life strategies
👉 Learn more:
https://www.lycali.co.uk/the-lycali-framework
You’re not alone in this
One of the biggest goals of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is to make sure families feel supported, not lost in the system.
But while changes are happening, having the right support around you makes all the difference.
Local support + community (Kent families)
We’re also building real-life community support, including:
Parent guidance
Local events
Access to Support Fund
Coffee mornings (including ADHD-focused support groups)
These are designed to make support feel:
👉 accessible
👉 informal
👉 non-judgemental
This new Act is a step in the right direction but families shouldn’t have to wait for systems to catch up.
If you’re looking for:
✔️ Clarity
✔️ Answers
✔️ Practical support
We’re here to help.
👉 Visit: https://www.lycali.co.uk
📧 info@lycali.co.uk
📞 01843 264170