Barnet Council's SEND plan gets government approval
New strategy aims for inclusive and responsive system for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
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Barnet Council's strategy to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been accepted by the government. The plan sets out the council's ambition for an inclusive, responsive, and sustainable SEND system, with a focus on children, young people, parent carers, schools, and wider partners.
The borough currently supports 8,300 pupils identified with SEND. Of these, 5,044 had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) as of April this year. This reform plan follows previous concerns raised about the existing system.
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Concerns over current system
In May, Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson described the current SEND system as 'broken' and committed to advocating for improvements. One local parent, speaking to the Barnet Post, expressed a desire to be 'treated with a bit of dignity'.
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Pauline Coakley Webb, Barnet's cabinet member for family friendly Barnet, stated her delight at the plan's approval, calling it an important milestone. "We are delighted that our Send and AP Reform Plan has now been approved, marking an important milestone as we move forward into implementation," Cllr Coakley Webb said. "We are now progressing the actions within the plan and working collaboratively across the local area to translate our priorities into meaningful change."
Cllr Coakley Webb also noted that the plan is designed to be adaptable. "Importantly, this is an evolving plan rather than a fixed document," she added. "The national SEND landscape continues to develop, and we will ensure that our approach reflects emerging government guidance, policy, and new legislation as these become available."
Questions this report answers
+What is Barnet Council's new SEND plan?
Barnet Council's new plan for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services has been approved by the government. It aims to create an inclusive, responsive, and sustainable system for the borough's 8,300 SEND pupils, with a focus on collaboration with families and schools.
+How many children in Barnet have SEND?
As of April this year, Barnet had 8,300 pupils identified with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Of these, 5,044 children had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place.
+What happens now that the plan is approved?
Barnet Council is now progressing the actions outlined in the approved SEND reform plan. The council is working collaboratively with local partners to implement changes and will ensure the approach adapts to emerging government guidance and new legislation.
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