SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029

Our findings

Children and young people’s needs are changing. We are seeing an increase in those with neurodivergent conditions and social, emotional and mental health needs which require services to adapt and respond accordingly to ensure they are fit for purpose.

The services we provide need to reflect the continued growth in understanding and what works to achieve positive outcomes for our children and young people.

Our actions

• Continue to reduce the waiting times for an Autism assessments and explore the opportunity for a single Autism and ADHD diagnostic pathway.
• Continue with the expansion of Oak Wood and Evergreen Schools, subject to permissions and governance.
• Develop a new local alternative provision model and work with the Department for Education to ensure that the new Alternative Provision Free School is operational
• Roll-out a top-up funding system for children and young people with EHC plans to release the right funding at the right time.
• Review and refresh existing models of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
• Continue to commission and improve short breaks provision and publication of the offer through the Short Breaks Statement.
• Pilot a new pathway to identify Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and develop a new pathway that supports children and young people with EHC Plans who require Education Other Than at School. 
• Pilot a new Family Wraparound service for families in distress and at risk of crisis, with children facing barriers to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and wellbeing.
• Promote and embed the Families First Pathfinder Programme to build effective joined up working and a growing understanding of working with children and young people with SEND and their families.
• Delivery of the Early Years Integrated Plan Service redesign to improve delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (HCP).
• Develop a SEND joint commissioning plan to be overseen by the SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board.