Families are being invited to help shape the future of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Wiltshire as the county responds to government proposals due to be rolled out in the future.
The government has set out proposals to reform the SEND system nationally, and every local area including Wiltshire has been asked to develop its first Local SEND Reform Plan in response.
The new plan will set the foundations for long‑term change, including:
- Strengthening early support in schools and early years settings
- Increasing access to specialist provision
- Designing a new Experts at Hand offer that will bring specialist practitioners into early years, schools and post‑16 settings more regularly.
The council is working with the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council to host a series of events to give parent carers the opportunity to share what is working, what isn’t, and what needs to improve so the SEND system better meets the needs of children, young people and families.
Insights gathered will directly shape Wiltshire’s Local SEND Reform Plan, including the universal offer, early years support, post‑16 pathways and how services work together across education, health and care.
People can take the short survey here - https://surveys.wiltshire.gov.uk/s/6x7cyf with the deadline for responses Friday 1 May.
People can also sign up to one of the events planned just after Easter as below:
- Friday 24 April, 10:00–1pm (face‑to‑face, Corn Exchange, Devizes)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985730387042 - Tuesday 28 April, 4pm–6pm (online)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985731798263 - Friday 1 May, 10am–12noon (online)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985732360946
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Parent carers are experts in their children’s needs, and their insight is absolutely vital as we develop Wiltshire’s Local SEND Reform Plan. The survey and these events are a real opportunity to shape how support looks in the future, from early years right through to post‑16. We want families to feel heard, understood and genuinely involved.
“Parent carers are encouraged to sign up and share their experiences, ideas and priorities. Every contribution will help build a clearer picture of what families need now and for the future.”
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