Cabinet to Consider Ambitious SEND Reform Plan for Wiltshire

Wiltshire Council say more children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) could benefit from earlier support, improved inclusion and greater access to local provision under their new SEND Reform Plan.

The three-year plan, which was submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) in June 2026, outlines how Wiltshire will implement national SEND reforms locally, building on existing good work.

The plan sets out a vision for a more inclusive and responsive system in which children and young people receive help earlier, closer to home and through a stronger graduated offer of support, while continuing to provide statutory support where it is needed.

The key priorities include:

• Strengthening inclusion in mainstream schools and settings.
• Providing earlier access to specialist advice and support through a new "Experts at Hand" programme.
• Investing in local specialist provision to enable more children to be educated closer to home.
• Improving partnership working, co-production and data-led decision making across education, health and care services.

Wiltshire has secured £3.354 million of Government funding for 2026/27 to launch the new Experts at Hand programme, which will provide schools with access to specialist expertise including educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and specialist teaching support.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for SEND, Education and Skills, said:

"Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, feel included and receive the support they need at the right time.

"This reform plan sets out our commitment to creating a SEND system that is more responsive, more inclusive and focused on helping children and young people achieve their potential as close to home as possible.

"We know that too many families have felt they have had to fight to access support. Through stronger inclusion in mainstream schools, earlier access to specialist advice and investment in local provision, we want to build confidence that help will be available sooner and in a way that works for children, families and schools.

"This is a significant programme of change, developed with schools, parent carers, children and young people, health partners and other stakeholders. While there are challenges ahead, it provides a clear roadmap for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and creating a more sustainable system for the future."

Delivery of the plan is already underway while the council awaits formal DfE approval. Recruitment has begun for specialist staff, governance arrangements have been established, and work is progressing with schools to develop local clusters that will support collaboration, early intervention and access to expertise.

On Wednesday 16 September Cabinet will be asked to endorse the plan, agree delegated arrangements for implementation and receive a further update in November on progress, DfE approval and the High Needs Block financial position. 

People can read the details here - Agenda - Democratic Services - Wiltshire Council