Wigan Borough's SEND reform plan approved by government

Wigan Borough's SEND reform plan approved by government

Plans to improve provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Wigan Borough have moved a step closer after the government approved the council's proposals.

The approval follows a national process requiring local areas to submit plans explaining how they will improve SEND services, strengthen inclusion and create more sustainable systems of support for families. Wigan Borough submitted its Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education earlier this year, representing a significant milestone for the local partnership.

Staff across early years, education and health, together with parents, carers, children and young people came together to develop a shared vision for SEND and alternative provision, reflecting the commitment and hard work of everyone involved.

The plan aims to ensure children receive support earlier and closer to home, reducing reliance on formal statutory processes before help is provided.

The plan comes against a backdrop of growing demand. More than 13,000 children and young people in Wigan are identified as having SEND, while the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has increased by more than 40% in just over two years.

The approved plan sets out several long-term changes, including strengthening support available in mainstream schools, expanding access to specialist advice through a new 'Experts at Hand' model, improving transitions between education settings and increasing confidence that children's needs can be met locally.

A key ambition is that more children and young people can be successfully supported in mainstream education close to home. The plan also aims to reduce exclusions, improve attendance, reduce delays in SEND processes and build stronger trust with families.

Councillor Laura Flynn, cabinet member for children and families at Wigan Council, said: "We're delighted that the Government has approved our SEND Reform Plan. This is a significant milestone for our partnership and recognition of the work already underway across education, health and care to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

"Families, children and young people have helped shape this plan every step of the way. Their feedback has been invaluable in helping us understand what matters most and where we should focus our efforts. As a result, the plan places a strong emphasis on earlier support, stronger communication and making sure children receive the right help at the right time.

"We're proud of the progress that has been made, but we know our work does not stop here. Approval of the plan gives us a strong foundation to build on as we continue working together to strengthen services and create an even more inclusive and responsive system for local families.

"This is a long-term journey of improvement and reform, and we are committed to continuing to listen, learn and evolve alongside children, young people, families, schools and partners. By working together, we can build on our strengths, address the challenges ahead and ensure every child and young person with SEND has the opportunity to thrive."

Approval of the plan will also enable Wigan to access the Government's High Needs Stability Grant. The funding, worth an estimated £23.4 million, is expected to address around 90% of the council's historic High Needs deficit, providing greater financial stability and supporting the long-term delivery of SEND improvements across the borough.

The partnership will now begin implementing the first phase of the programme, focusing on earlier intervention, strengthening support in mainstream settings, improving SEND processes and expanding inclusive provision across the borough.