The government has announced it will publish a green paper on children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities in the autumn.

Speaking at a reception hosted by Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) at the House of Lords, children and families minister Sarah Teather said today that she wanted to work with the voluntary sector and parents to form the questions that the green paper would cover.

She added that the paper would cover parental choice regarding where children go to school and "end the bias towards mainstream schools but ensure it is up to parents to determine the best education for their child".

The green paper will also look at the issues around transitions into adulthood and "the bureaucratic mess that is assessment".

Her announcement followed EDCM's plea to the government to state what every disabled child and their families could expect from the government in national policy and commit to ensure disabled children and their families are involved in all strategic planning.

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