Major vote of confidence for Gloucestershire as Government approves plans to improve SEND support for children and families

The plan sets out how Gloucestershire will continue improving support for children and young people with SEND, helping them get the right support at the right time and creating a more inclusive education system for the future.

As part of the Government's national SEND Reform Programme, councils and their education and health partners were asked to develop plans showing how they would improve services, strengthen inclusion and build a more sustainable system. Approval of these plans was also required to access the Government's High Needs Stability Grant.

Gloucestershire's plan was developed jointly by Gloucestershire County Council, NHS Gloucestershire, education partners and the Parent Carer Forum. The Government has now confirmed that the county's plan meets the required standard and provides a strong foundation for the next phase of improvement.

The Government's assessment recognised the progress already made in Gloucestershire, including stronger leadership, partnership working and a shared approach to improving support for children and young people with SEND. It described the plan as providing "a sound foundation" for the next phase of delivery.

Following approval, Gloucestershire is now eligible to receive around £112.2 million from the Government. This funding will cover 90% of the county's Dedicated Schools Grant shortfall, helping address a long-standing gap between the cost of supporting children and young people with additional educational needs and the funding provided by the Government.

Approval also means Gloucestershire can now move forward with plans to:

·       Improve inclusion in mainstream schools

·       Identify and meet children's needs earlier

·       Improve attendance and reduce exclusions

·       Increase confidence in SEND services among children, young people and families

·       Create a more sustainable SEND system for the future

Councillor Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This is a really important moment for Gloucestershire. Families have told us they want a SEND system that is easier to navigate, more inclusive and delivers the right support at the right time. That's exactly what this plan is designed to achieve.

"I'm proud of the way the council, education settings, NHS colleagues and parent carer partners have worked together to reach this point. Government approval is recognition of that shared effort and gives us a strong foundation for the next stage of the work.

"This approval gives us the opportunity to build on the improvements already being made and ensure more children and young people get the right support at the right time, in the right place.

"The real measure of success will be the difference this makes for children, young people and families. That's where our focus remains, and we're committed to turning these plans into lasting improvements across Gloucestershire."

The Government will continue to work with Gloucestershire as the plan is delivered and will regularly review progress. The county council will continue to make the case for fairer funding to ensure children and young people in the county receive all the support they need.

Click here to read the Government’s approval letter.