Features

Policy: How the SEND Improvement Plan aims to strengthen support for young children

A new Improvement Plan aims to end the ‘postcode lottery’ of the SEND code of practice. Karen Faux provides a guide

When the SEND code of practice was implemented in 2014, it was hoped that those working in nurseries would be supported to play a more effective role in delivering early interventions to our youngest children.

The Code aimed to clarify the approach for providers and embody a more joined-up approach across education, health and social care.

Part of this included the introduction of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) which replaced a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

But in the last nine years, many local areas have struggled to achieve the Code's aspirations. Well-documented common weaknesses have included a lack of joint commissioning and effective co-production, and poor-quality EHCPs. Many local areas continue to be unclear about who is held accountable for services and provision. There also continues to be a problem in identifying and assessing children and young people's needs.

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