SEND Change Programme Update (July 2024)
The Change Programme is testing a package of reforms that focus on critical elements of how SEND & AP services operate in local areas. DfE need to know about how each reform works and what it takes to implement it, but also how they interact and work together to influence outcomes in local system.
We have summarised some of the key points below that include our involvement as the Parent Carer Forum.
Alternative Provision (AP)
The SEND & AP (Alternative provision) Improvement Plan is a 3-tier model for AP and mainstream settings. It is based on earlier identification of need and targeted support in mainstream schools to address needs early and reduce preventable exclusion.
So Far: The Telford and Wrekin AP Steering group have agreed the AP Implementation Plan (APIP) which will further develop the three-tier model of Alternative Provision in Telford and Wrekin.
Funding for delivering the Alternative Provision Implementation Plan (APIP) has now been agreed and released.
Next steps: PODS Parent Carer Forum is a member of the Steering Group and will continue to contribute to meetings and be involved in decision making.
Co-production of a Parent Carer and Child/Young Person guide to Alternative Provision in Telford and Wrekin will be developed.
ELSEC (Early Language Support for Every Child)
ELSEC seeks to support education settings by modelling how they might access a more flexible, responsive workforce for children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs within Early Years and Primary School Settings.
So Far: A team of 7 SLCN Practitioners have now been recruited and will all start in September. Initially, they will focus on supporting schools and settings directly involved with the programme to screen identified cohorts of children for speech language and communication needs.
Next Steps: · Complete recruitment of a Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist. Finalise training plan for the ELSEC workforce.
Begin co-production of universal offer for Speech Language, Communication Needs.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Standardisation
The Dept for Education has produced a new, standardised template for EHCPs. The EHCP template is designed to improve the consistency and quality of EHCPs and is based on intensive coproduction.
So Far: The SEND team are continuing to test the EHC template and have already completed the initial 80 cases requested.
They will continue to use the new template with some cases moving forward and this will be reviewed monthly.
We have carried out some initial feedback sessions with settings and parent carers but will be putting more of these on in the Autumn term.
Next Steps: Further Parent Carer feedback session. If your child(ren) has received an EHCP on the new template, please look out for an e-mail invitation to attend a feedback session in the Autumn term.
Advisory Tailored Lists
Advisory tailored lists have been designed to improve experiences of the placement process by illustrating choice for families, ensuring placements are suitably matched for the needs of the child or young person, and supporting LAs to strategically manage their placements and provision.
So Far: We have started to review the information about SEND provision in individual schools and settings currently available to Parent Carers on our Local Offer.
Next Steps: Survey results from parent carer feedback will be used to complete a ‘gap analysis’ task of available information against the criteria.
Strengthened Mediation
Mediation is part of the appeal process when there is disagreement over an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or an EHC Needs Assessment. Data is being collected to better understand the use and impact of SEND mediation.
So Far: We have contacted our mediation providers and have asked them start collecting mediation data ready for the first return at the end of September.
Next Steps: · Collate data returns and Analyse mediation data.
National Standards and Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP)
Work on National Standards is being planned with a view to setting clear national expectations for what ‘good’ looks like in identifying and supporting the four areas of special educational needs.
So Far: In Telford and Wrekin, we have reviewed what our current understanding is around Ordinarily Available Provision at a Local Authority level.
Next Steps: · To draw up a plan for further developing the expectations of Ordinarily Available Provision and inclusive mainstream practice in Telford and Wrekin schools and settings and co-producing clear documentation.
Multi Agency Panels
This reform seeks to implement minimum standards for Multiagency panels with the aim of seeing:
- improved family experiences, and confidence in SEN support (where relevant)
- declining trends in mediation / tribunal rates ·
- better join-up between strategical and operational practices across the partnership.
So Far: Our multiagency (EHC) panel has been observed by REACh and we have received very positive feedback regarding our panel’s processes.
Next Steps: EHC (Education, Health and Care) Panel Terms of Reference to be updated to fully embed representation from across the system and improve parent carer confidence
Further information including LAIP (Local Area Implementation Plan), Inclusion Dashboards, and wider links to partnerships involved in this project can be found via the Telford & Wrekin Council Local Offer pages:
SEND and AP Change Programme – SEND – Local offer (telfordsend.org.uk)