Sandwell Council approves new SEND support strategy after £3.3 million fund secured

Sandwell Council has approved a new strategy to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The strategy has been developed with children, young people, parents, carers, schools, health partners and wider stakeholders across the borough, while building on progress already made through Sandwell's existing SEND Transformation Programme.

To support the strategy the council has secured £3.3 million from the Department for Education which will give pupils improved access to specialist professionals such as speech and language therapists. The council has also invested an additional £900,000 to strengthen the SEND services.

Councillor Matt Lloyd, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This strategy is another important step forward in improving support for children and young people with SEND in Sandwell.

“We are focused on identifying needs earlier, strengthening support closer to home and improving the experience of children, young people and families.

“While we know there is still more to do, by working together with families, schools and partners we can continue to deliver the improvements that children and young people deserve.”

The new plan outlines how Sandwell will strengthen inclusion in mainstream schools, improve Education, Health and Care Plans and ensure families receive more consistent support.

More information about the strategy can be found at https://fis.sandwell.gov.uk/kb5/sandwell/directory/localoffer.page