Green light for SEND reform in Doncaster

The government has given the green light to transform support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Doncaster.

As part of the reform, Doncaster Council said it would work towards providing "better support, earlier and closer to home", which would include strengthening support in mainstream schools and increasing the number of specialist places.

The news comes as part of wider SEND reform across England, announced by the government earlier this year, in response to rising demand for support.

Doncaster councillor Susan Farmer said: "This is an incredible opportunity to genuinely improve the way SEND support works in Doncaster."

The council said its SEND reform, which was approved by the Department for Education, had been developed following consultation with families, young people and parent and carer groups as well as input from schools, professionals and partners.

It said work would focus on recognising children's needs earlier, bringing the services closer together and making it easier for families to understand what support is available and how to access it.

Farmer, who is the council's cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: "We know how incredibly important this is for families.

"The support a child or young person with SEND receives can make a huge difference to their experience of education, their confidence and their opportunities in the future, and that's why this plan matters so much."

Parents and guardians are being encouraged to sign up to a dedicated council SEND newsletter to stay up-to-date with the plan and opportunities to be involved.

It comes after the government announced plans to reform SEND provision, which will include the introduction of individual support plans (ISPs) for young people.

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