The government has confirmed that the partnership's plan meets the necessary standards, demonstrating a strong commitment to implementing vital local SEND reforms. This initiative was collaboratively developed by South Gloucestershire Council, health partners, educational institutions, parent carers, and young people themselves.
Over the next three years, the plan outlines a transformation of services designed to foster a more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable SEND system. Key objectives include providing earlier support closer to home and within local communities whenever feasible. Priorities encompass strengthening inclusive practices in mainstream schools, expanding specialist assistance through a new 'experts at hand' model, increasing specialist provision within mainstream settings, enhancing post-16 opportunities, and embedding robust co-production with families.
The government's approval also makes South Gloucestershire eligible for a High Needs Stability Grant of approximately £50.3 million. This funding is intended to support the long-term viability of SEND services during the reform implementation.
Councillor Ian Boulton, cabinet member for education, skills, employment and business at South Gloucestershire Council, expressed delight: “We are delighted that the government has approved South Gloucestershire’s SEND Reform Plan. This is a strong endorsement of the work that has been undertaken by partners across education, health, social care, and most importantly with children, young people and their families.”
He added, “Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential and thrive. This plan will strengthen inclusion, improve early support, increase access to specialist expertise and create more opportunities for children and young people with SEND to succeed close to home. Approval of the plan is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning. We are committed to working together with our partners and communities to turn these ambitions into real improvements in the experiences and outcomes of children and young people and their families across South Gloucestershire.”
David Jarrett, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategic Commissioning Officer at NHS Gloucestershire ICB and NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB cluster, commented: “We are pleased that the government has approved South Gloucestershire’s SEND Reform Plan, which reflects the strong commitment of partners and families to creating a more inclusive and responsive system. By working together, we will strengthen early support, improve access to specialist health expertise and help more children and young people with SEND to thrive in their local communities.”
Jarrett continued, “We look forward to building on this important milestone and turning the plan’s ambitions into lasting improvements for children, young people and their families.” The council's overarching vision is for every child to have the best possible start in life and to thrive with the right support available at the opportune moment. Over the coming three years, South Gloucestershire and its collaborating partners will concentrate on fulfilling the commitments outlined in the plan, which includes expanding specialist support within mainstream education, establishing additional specialist places locally, improving pathways into adulthood, and ensuring families are central to shaping services.
