Have your say on SEND proposals

A public consultation is now underway on proposed changes to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in Darlington.

Cabinet agreed to go out to consultation at a meeting last week. The proposals - for a revised SEND strategy and funding, as well as a SEND travel assistance policy - aim to promote inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The consultation will run from 17 October to 28 November 2018.

The proposals outline six key objectives to ensure children and young people with SEND achieve the best possible outcomes. These are:

• Early identification of need – ensuring that the right children and young people with SEND are in the right placement with the right support.
• Building capacity in mainstream and specialist settings to reduce reliance on specialist out of area placements.
• Ensuring children and young people with SEND are educated in their local community and have effective preparation for adulthood and access to work and leisure opportunities.
• Increasing achievement and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Effective collaboration, ensuring the active involvement of SEND children and their families.
• Achieving ‘best value’ from all services.

The draft SEND strategy is aimed at making the system as fair and equitable as possible, with funding closely linked to the needs of individuals.

You can give us feedback on the consultation through our online survey’s and attending our consultation events.  For more information, visit www.Darlington.gov.uk/SEND.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “I believe these changes will help us continue to give children and young people with SEND the best support and the greatest chance of success.

"SEND needs and funding are challenges that councils across the country are wrestling with. These proposals will give parents more of a say in the support their child receives.

"We will be consulting widely with families, schools and other professionals, in a range of ways - there will be the chance to comment online and attend one of a number of consultation events.”