SEND reforms

Major changes to services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were introduced in 2014.

The changes were aimed at:

• Making the system simpler and more joined up
• Putting children, young people and their families at the heart of the assessment and planning process
• Helping those with SEND to succeed in their education and make a successful transition to adulthood

What were the main changes?

Education, health and care (EHC) plans
A new single education, health and care (EHC) plan (EHC Plan) from birth to 25, has replaced statements of special educational needs and learning difficulty assessments (LDAs).

Personal budget option
The option of a personal budget has been introduced to give some families and young people with an EHC plan greater independence, choice and control over their support.

Local Offer
A local offer of services for children and young people with SEND enabling parents and young people to see more clearly what services are available in their area and how to access them. To view Brent’s Local Offer visit www.brent.gov.uk/localoffer

Person-centred involvement
Children, young people, parents and carers, should be at the heart of the decision-making process.

Preparing for adulthood
Young people should be supported as they prepare to make the transition to adulthood to enable them to achieve education and training opportunities, paid employment, independent living and good health.

SEN Support
School Action and School Action Plus have been replaced by a new system called SEN Support, to help children with additional needs in mainstream schools.

Mediation
Local authorities must make SEND mediation and disagreement resolution services available to parents and young people, and this provision must be independent of the council.

Brent’s SEND strategy
Brent Council has produced a three-year strategy setting out its vision and priorities for improving services and life outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families. The strategy has been produced following discussions and co-production meetings with a wide range of people including parents and carers, young people, Brent Parent Carer Forum (BPCF), headteachers, governing bodies and services that work with children and young people, families and voluntary groups.

To read the strategy visit https://www.brent.gov.uk/media/16411939/8106-send-strategy-brochure-a4-v5-web-spreads.pdf