Find out more about Special Educational Needs proposals

Families will be able to learn more about proposed changes to provisions for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at a series of consultation events.

Darlington Borough Council is currently consulting on proposed changes to its SEND strategy and funding, as well as its SEND Travel Assistance Policy.

SEND provisions and funding are challenges that councils across the country are wrestling with and Darlington Borough Council’s proposals aim to make the system as fair and equitable as possible, with funding closely linked to the needs of individuals. The proposals aim to promote inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and will give parents more of a say in the support their child receives.

The council’s vision is to give children and young people with SEND the ‘best start in life’ and for them to receive the best support and the greatest chance of success in lifem becoming as independent as possible. 

A wide-ranging public consultation runs until Wednesday 28 November. The council wishes to seek the views of children/young people, their families, schools and other professionals, on these proposals. There will be the chance to provide your views online and/or attend a number of consultation events.

The events will be focused on the two themes and will begin with a short presentation. They take place on:

• Monday 5 November, Darlington Hippodrome (John Wade Group Lounge)
  9.30am-11.30am: SEND strategy and funding
  Noon-1.30pm: SEND Travel Assistance Policy
  4.30-5.30pm: SEND strategy and funding
• Tuesday 6 November, Darlington Hippodrome (John Wade Group Lounge)
  1-3pm: SEND strategy and funding
  4.15-5.15pm: SEND Travel Assistance Policy
• Tuesday 20 November, Dolphin Centre (Pease Suite)
  6-8pm: SEND strategy and funding/ SEND Travel Assistance Policy
• Wednesday 21 November, Dolphin Centre (Pease Suite)
  Noon-2pm: SEND strategy and Funding
  4-5.30pm: SEND Travel Assistance Policy

For more information about the proposals, visit www.darlington.gov.uk/SEND
Copies of the consultation presentations is available on the website, as well as links to a survey and other useful information.
For more information about the consultation events, or to request any information in alternative formats, email [email protected] or write to Education Services, Room 201, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT.