May 2026 Kirklees SEND Newsletter

A visit from Dame Christine Lenehan

We were delighted to receive a special visit from one of the country’s top experts in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Dame Christine Lenehan, who works as the government’s Strategic Advisor on SEND, joined us in Kirklees to hear about the progress we are making, the challenges we face and our ambitions for children, young people and families.

Dame Christine learned how different organisations work together and met partners involved in the highly-rated Kirklees cluster model, which brings schools together to support pupils with additional needs.

Importantly, she talked with PCAN, our local parent-carer forum, about the vital role they play in ensuring families’ voices are heard. PCAN discussed their parent support networks and highlighted all the ways they influence SEND services across the district.

Dame Christine also met with the council’s Our Voice team, who help children and young people to express their views and shape the decisions which affect them.

The visit gave Dame Christine a deeper understanding of the work we do in Kirklees whilst also ensuring that local pressures are seen at a national level.

You can find more about PCAN (Parents of Children with Additional Needs) through the PCAN website(opens link in new window).

Supporting our young people into work

Did you know there’s a local service which helps adults into work when they have additional needs?

REAL Employment aims to support adults aged 18-plus into paid, suitable employment. It matches their skills and interests with a job they want – and there are lots of success stories.

Kyle, for example, had always wanted a career in hospitality. With support from REAL Employment, he’s now working confidently at a Kirklees hotel.

Discover more about Kyle and REAL Employment on the Kirklees Together website (opens link in new window).

Tell us about local activities

The Local Offer website is your one-stop shop for SEND activities and support across Kirklees – and the team want to hear from YOU!

The Local Offer already includes a wide range of information, but there are always new, inclusive activities cropping up which could be promoted on the site.

To make sure it reflects as many as possible, we’re seeking your help to tell us about:

• Inclusive holiday activity providers
• After-school clubs
• Weekday and term-time activities
• Activities from specialist providers or which are open to everyone

We are particularly keen to hear about clubs, groups and organisations:

• Where your child or young person has had a positive experience
• Where children and young people with additional needs are actively included
• Who may not yet feature on the Kirklees Local Offer
• Who would like to promote their activities to families

If you have any useful information to share with families, please email localoffer@kirklees.gov.uk or you can add it to the following post on Kirklees Local Offer Facebook

Your support will ensure families can find even more up-to-date details about the great activities across Kirklees. Check out the Local Offer website.

Update on national SEND reforms

Progress is being made on our local response to proposed changes in the national SEND system.

Earlier this year, the government announced a number of reforms which will impact on all areas. Here in Kirklees, it’s vital to us that the changes reflect the views of our children, young people, parents, carers and families.

Three events have already taken place where parent/carer groups joined SEND professionals from schools, health and Kirklees Council, including Children’s Services, Adult Services and supporting teams. Together, they shared their thoughts on the national changes being proposed by government.

More discussions are taking place and a plan is being developed to include:

• The future of SEND in Kirklees
• How change will be achieved in the best way to suit local needs
• How we will continue developing inclusion and improvement

The government has published several documents about its plans, including an easy-read version. They are on the government website.