SEND news and updates
Latest news
"Moving On"
The "Moving On" (external link) film has been created by and features young people and parents from Wigan working with Bridgewater Adult Learning Disability Service to express their views, concerns and recommendations regarding their experience of health transition. It was made in partnership with People’s Voice Media (peoplesvoicemedia.co.uk); AQuA (Advancing Quality Alliance) and Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Take a look at the film and think about the recommendations and how this may relate to your own family or your role if you are a health, education or social care practitioner.
Consultation
The consultation on our Accessibility Strategy has now closed. You can also view associated guidance on Supporting Pupils at school with Medical Conditions. Although the formal consultation has finished we welcome feedback on any aspects of the Local Offer.
Children and Families Act 2014
On 1 September 2014 The Children and Families Act (2014) became law. It reformed the systems for adoption, looked after children, family justice and special educational needs and disabilities (SENDs).
The reforms around SENDs were designed to develop and enhance:
- Involving children, parents and young people in decision making.
- The identification of children and young people’s needs.
- Choice and control for parents and young people over their support.
- Collaboration between education, health and social care services.
- High quality provision to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.
- Support for successful preparation for adulthood.
Since September 2014 no Statements of SEN have been produced. They are being replaced by Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans.
By April 2018 all current Statements of SEN will be converted to EHC Plans.
Between September 2014 and September 2016 young people with Leaning Difficulty Assessments (LDAs) transferred to the new system.
In April 2015 new duties for young offenders with SEND commenced.
View the timeline transition to the new system.
The Department of Education has written a letter for patents which outlines the changes from a parent’s perspective. Similar letters have been sent to teachers in schools and colleges.
Feedback
We are always looking for feedback on the content of the Local Offer. We are required to report on any feedback that we receive and what we have done in response to it. You can find a link to our latest report above.