Council set to continue driving improvements to SEND support
At a meeting on 17 September, council’s cabinet will discuss plans which will see the council continue its joint leadership of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Southwest Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Change Partnership Programme. In partnership with Swindon Borough Council, the programme places Gloucestershire in a unique position to test new approaches and influence the DfE by providing feedback on its proposed reforms.
Phase 2 of the programme will introduce an exciting new initiative, the Assistive Technology Lending Library. This scheme will allow schools to borrow and trial a range of assistive technology tools before committing to purchase. Children will be able to test equipment to ensure it meets their needs and use it immediately while their own devices are being ordered. This approach ensures that children receive the right support without delay. The library will include high-cost, specialist equipment that schools might otherwise be unable to afford. By enabling trial and return, the initiative ensures that children get the right tools for their learning, without financial risk to schools.
The first phase of the Change Programme delivered tangible improvements for children and young people with SEND including the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) programme. It enabled the council and NHS partners to work with around 40 early years providers and primary schools. Together, they trialled innovative models for early speech and language referrals and therapy, creating extra capacity to support children who need some extra help in developing their language skills. This early support is having a real impact, helping children to develop their communication and thrive.
Another key development has been the piloting of new ways of working with schools and a specialist team in the county’s Alternative Provision service, The Altus School. To further support young people at risk of exclusion, the council has created a multi-agency team of specialists, including youth and mental health workers, based in the school who can intervene early, ensuring that young people receive the support they need to remain in education and succeed.
Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Gloucestershire County Council said: “We are committed to making sure every child and young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities has the opportunity to thrive and it’s fantastic to be in a position to help drive improvements.
“The Southwest SEND Change Partnership Programme is already helping children in Gloucestershire, whether it’s improving their speech, keeping them in school, or giving them the right tools to learn. We are looking forward to building on this success and we’re excited to introduce new support like the Assistive Technology Lending Library to further empower schools and families.”