The plan prioritises earlier intervention, enhanced inclusion within mainstream education, and streamlined access to necessary assistance for families. A significant element is the introduction of Somerset’s new Experts at Hand model. This initiative will embed specialist staff within early years settings, schools, and colleges. These teams will collaborate with practitioners to facilitate earlier identification of needs and deliver support locally.
The approval also facilitates the expansion of specialist support in mainstream settings, the establishment of additional Specialist Inclusion Bases, and increased opportunities for young people transitioning to adulthood.
This reform plan was collaboratively developed with schools, health partners, the Somerset Parent Carer Forum, children and young people, and other stakeholders within the Somerset SEND Partnership. These groups will continue to guide and implement improvements in the coming years.
Concurrently, Somerset is enhancing its SEND Local Offer information. Families can now navigate a clearer, step-by-step EHCP pathway, find information on phase transfers, current average waiting times, and access more online forms. The EHCP Standards Group is also providing updates on improvement efforts, including changes related to medical advice and Preparing for Adulthood within annual reviews.
Work to implement these improvements is already underway, with further progress updates to be shared as plans develop. More information on the improvement work is available on the Somerset SEND Local Offer website.
