The plan, developed in collaboration with local schools, early years providers, health partners, and parent carers, focuses on making support more accessible and timely. It aims to ensure children can thrive at school, at home, and within their communities, with a greater emphasis on enabling them to attend their local school whenever feasible.
Key improvements outlined in the plan include making schools and early years settings more inclusive and better equipped to support children with SEND. Additional support will be provided to children and families awaiting assessments or diagnoses, and the experience of families accessing SEND services is set to be improved. Specialist support for children with more complex needs will also be strengthened.
The Department for Education has endorsed Buckinghamshire Council’s plan, characterising it as "a clear and coherent vision centred on inclusion, earlier intervention and improved outcomes."
“"Improving SEND services is one of our highest priorities. I do not want parents to feel they have to fight for the support their child needs."
Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, acknowledged that while the plan represents significant progress, further work is required. He emphasised the council's commitment to ensuring children receive the appropriate support earlier and closer to home, fostering their potential and promoting healthy, independent lives. Jackson expressed pleasure at the Department for Education's recognition of the plan's strengths, which will facilitate ongoing improvements for local families. Implementation has commenced, with schools, partners, and services collaborating, and further changes are anticipated over the next two to three years.
