Improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND – the SEND and Inclusion Change Programme
In Warwickshire, we want all our children and young people to lead a fulfilling life and be part of their community. 
In 2020, Warwickshire County Council began an expansive and ambitious three-year programme of work aiming to improve the educational outcomes for children and young people, aged 0-25, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As part of this SEND and Inclusion Change Programme, the Council is working together with partners to deliver this ambition by promoting inclusion within mainstream settings, giving schools and settings the skills and resources to meet the needs of learners and building the confidence of parents and carers.
A number of key priority areas were identified to underpin this work, including:
- Improving outcomes for our children and young people with SEND by changing the conversation in local schools.
- Intervening earlier and providing clear pathways of support.
- Taking decisions in a clear, fair and transparent way by reforming our decision-making panels.
- Ensuring that systems are sustainable, so that we are working within our allocated funding. This includes investing in new SEND provision in mainstream schools and specialist provision.
- Securing education, employment and training for young people with SEND (aged 16-25).
A total of 31 projects were identified as part of the programme, some of which are now complete and already having an impact, such as the opening of the new special school, The Warwickshire Academy, earlier this year and the redesign of the Local Offer website.
Work is continuing to further develop and improve the way services are delivered for families in Warwickshire. The round-up below offers a snapshot of the projects currently underway as part of the programme.
Improving the transition experience for children and young people with SEND.
Current transitions guidance for school settings is being reviewed and revised with the aim of implementing an improved approach across Warwickshire for all children and young people.
Improving the offer of SEND services to parents, carers their families
Warwickshire County Council is reviewing SEND and Inclusion services to ensure services are delivering the best outcomes for all children and young people. The aim is to ensure that WCC are providing services that meet children, young people and their families’ needs and are delivering the right support at the right time. Proposals are being developed to ensure a multi-disciplinary team approach is embedded across the county. Public consultation and engagement will be held later this year to seek views on these proposals.
Improving the quality of the home to school transport service for children and young people with SEND.
A review of the current Home to School Transport policy has been carried out which includes feedback from children, young people and their families. The aim will be to provide a high-quality service that better manages current and future demand, simplifying the application process for parents and carers and improving outcomes for children and young people by assessing individual needs and promoting independence. Proposals to improve the current service will go out to public consultation towards the end of 2022.
Improving the annual review process for Education, Health and Care Plans.
Warwickshire County Council is working with stakeholders to ensure the statutory process around annual reviews is fully understood. The aim is to implement a robust process to ensure the Council meets its statutory timeframes and decisions and actions are implemented ensuring the right support and provision is delivered to our children and young people in the most efficient way.
Promoting the inclusion of children with SEND within mainstream schools.
There is currently a pilot project in Rugby which includes two groups of schools with the aim of developing peer-to-peer support (schools supporting one another). The new model aims to support schools to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND, thus encouraging a more inclusive environment.
Improving the process for allocating SEND top-up funding to education settings.
A new calculation tool is being developed and trialled with the aim of making the allocation of top-up funding to education settings more efficient and transparent. This includes early years settings, mainstream, special schools and post-16 providers.
Improving pathways to support early resolutions
A project working with families to ensure resolution of disagreements is being developed. The aim is to ensure a clear pathway is in place to support early resolution.
If you have any questions or would like any further information about any of the projects above, please email sendchange@warwickshire.gov.uk.
For regular updates subscribe to the SEND Warwickshire newsletter here and follow the Local Offer Facebook page here.