In Kirklees, our plan explains how we will deliver those changes whilst best meeting the needs of children, young people and families.

Its main aim is to continue developing a SEND system where more children and young people receive the right support earlier, closer to home and in mainstream education settings where possible.

The Kirklees area already has a strong partnership approach, committed schools and settings, modern ways of working and close relationships with families.

As with all parts of the country, there are also challenges, such as inconsistent experiences for families, delays in assessment and support, pressures on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and specialist placements, gaps in post-16 pathways, and the need to make the SEND system more financially sustainable.

The plan explains how we will continue to:

• Support children and young people earlier, before needs become more serious
• Strengthen inclusion in mainstream education settings
• Improve access to specialist advice
• Increase confidence among families, schools and partners
• Use resources more effectively to achieve best value for money

Families should experience a system that is easier to navigate, more consistent and provides earlier access to support. The plan reflects all the key principles laid out by central government when the national reforms were announced – namely, that support should be early, local, effective, fair and shared across education, health and social care.

A key principle is “mainstream first” wherever suitable for meeting needs. This means more children and young people having their needs met successfully in local mainstream schools and settings.

EHCPs and specialist placements should remain available for those who need them most, but the system should reduce the need for these steps to be taken. This can be achieved by improving universal and targeted support earlier.

How will these things be achieved? 

There are several different approaches, which include: 

Experts at Hand - gives schools, early years settings, alternative provision and post-16 providers quicker access to specialist advice and support. This will build on our successful Cluster Communities, which see schools working together more closely. It brings together a wide range of services from education and health.

Inclusive local provision - strengthens inclusion in education settings and increases the number of SEND places available locally. This includes investment in special schools, expanding SEND support in mainstream schools, and developing an Alternative Provision free school.

Graduated approach and early support - helps families and professionals to understand what support should be available at each stage, so that needs are met earlier.

Best Start, Family Hubs and Families First – ensures SEND reforms are closely linked to all the other changes taking place locally and nationally. A joined-up system provides earlier help, a whole-family approach, children ready to start school, and stronger support for people in their local areas. 

Preparing for adulthood – helps young people as they move toward post-16 education, training, employment and adult services. This includes clearer pathways and ensuring different organisations work well together for the young person and their family.

What happens next? 

Work has already started. We are building on the strong foundations which exist in Kirklees, but we will also enhance the current SEND support.

We will work towards set targets and develop different ways of working so that all the areas outlined above can be met.

The SEND Reform Plan depends on strong partnerships between Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, education settings, early years, post-16 providers, health services, social care and PCAN (our local parent-carer forum).

However, the views of children, young people, parents, carers and families are essential to the plan being successful. We do a great deal of work directly with families, and this will continue.

We are ambitious for every child and young person. We want to provide the best possible SEND support so all children and young people can fulfil their potential.