Petition · Department for Education
Change SEND acronym to ‘SPECIFIC Educational Needs' in government publications
Open for signatures
59 signatures
What the petition asks
We want change. The word ‘Special’ has had negative connotations for the last 40 years, so why should we continue using this derogatory term for young adults and children in this day and age? Why not change this to ‘Specific’ a term that is individual and tailored to each student?
As someone who is undertaking a University degree in Education and as someone who has familial links to people with ‘Specific’ Educational needs, something needs to change. I find it difficult to become a teacher in an educational system in which we are still calling children and young adults ‘Special’ for requiring Specific educational needs. This petition asks you to consider those children. In addition, why change an already established name. SEND but change the S from ‘SPECIAL’ to SPECIFIC
Timeline
| 27 May 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
59
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Education
Opened
27 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.