Local authorities prepare for anticipated SEND reform package

Local authorities and children’s services partners are preparing for a significant programme of SEND reform expected to be announced shortly.

Ahead of the publication, government has indicated that it intends to address the substantial financial pressures facing councils’ High Needs budgets. Reports suggest that a large proportion of accumulated SEND-related deficits, estimated nationally at around £4 billion, may be written down as part of a wider reform package, linked to implementation of system changes.

High Needs funding pressures have grown steadily in recent years, driven by rising numbers of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans, increasing complexity of need, and ongoing challenges in securing sufficient local provision.

Across the sector, discussion is now focusing on whether the forthcoming reforms will:

• strengthen earlier identification and support for additional needs
• improve inclusion within mainstream education settings
• clarify responsibilities across education, health and care systems
• rebuild confidence among children, young people and families
• create a financially sustainable local SEND system

For Early Help services, Family Hubs, education partners and children’s social care teams, the expected reforms underline the continued national focus on prevention, joined-up working and supporting needs at the earliest possible stage.

Organisations across the children and family workforce will be monitoring the detail closely to understand how local pathways, commissioning approaches and workforce skills requirements may need to evolve.

Further updates will follow as the reform programme is confirmed.