Wiltshire Council's SEND Reform Plan has been approved by the Department for Education, marking an important milestone in improving support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The plan was developed with input from families, children and young people, schools, education settings, and partner organisations. Its aim is to make support easier to understand, better joined up, and available as early as possible when children and young people need it.
The reforms focus on strengthening partnership working between families, schools and services, improving early identification of needs and making it easier for children and young people to access support that matches their individual needs.
Approval from the Department for Education means Wiltshire Council can now move forward with the programme, continuing to work with families, schools and partners to develop and implement the plan over time. The council will continue to provide updates, answer questions and engage with families as the reforms develop.
Educational Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are part of the current SEND system and will continue to operate as they do now while national reform plans are developed further and implemented.
Jen Brown, Corporate Director Children and Education, said: "We're delighted that our SEND Reform Plan has been approved by the Department for Education.
"This is an important milestone and reflects the significant contribution made by families, children and young people, schools, education settings and partner organisations from across Wiltshire. We'd like to thank everyone who has helped shape the plan and shared their experiences, ideas and feedback.
"We know many families have questions about what SEND Reform means in practice and what it will mean for their children. That's why we'll continue sharing information, answering common questions and creating opportunities for people to find out more and get involved.
"It's important to remember that the current SEND legislation remains in place and existing rights relating to EHC needs assessments, provision delivered within EHCPs and to appeal remain unchanged.
"Our focus is on improving support, strengthening partnership working and helping children and young people receive the right help at the right time. I'd encourage any parent or carer who would like to find out more to join our webinar on Tuesday 3 November, where we'll share further information about the reforms and provide an opportunity to ask questions."
In agreeing Wiltshire Council’s SEND Reform Plan the DfE says: “Your local area partnership has demonstrated clear momentum and a willingness to work collectively across education, health and care. These are important foundations for successful reform. The government has confidence in the direction of travel you have established, and in your ability to move from planning into delivery with the continued focus, grip and partnership discipline that this next phase will require.”
The DfE additionally note that Wiltshire can provide guidance to other areas: “We will look to partnerships such as yours to help demonstrate what effective local reform looks like in practice, and to share learning with other partnerships where this can support wider improvement.”
Parents and carers are invited to attend an online SEND Reform webinar on Tuesday 3 November between 6 pm and 7 pm.
The session will include:
- An update on Wiltshire's SEND Reform Plan
- Information about what the reforms mean for families
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- An opportunity for parents and carers to ask questions
Parents and carers can register to attend here: https://surveys.wiltshire.gov.uk/s/k09vxw
Families can also submit questions in advance when registering.
Further information about SEND Reform, including frequently asked questions, is available through the Wiltshire Local Offer website: SEND Reform - what this means for you and your child - Wiltshire Council
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