SEND Strategy consultation 2025

Consultation closes: 1 October 2025
Consultation opened: 10 July 2025

We are proposing to focus on 6 shared priorities that reflect the lived experiences of families, professionals and children and young people in Central Bedfordshire. Our 6 priorities for 2025 to 2028 are:

1. Person-centered and locally available education provision

We will ensure that education provision is tailored to the individual needs of children and young people, and that support is available locally whenever possible. This includes:

• a sufficient number of specialist school places and additionally resourced provisions (ARPs) so that children can learn close to home
• inclusive, well-resourced mainstream education, with the right training for staff to support children as soon as needs are identified
• quality assured alternative provision which supplements mainstream education
• SEN support, education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and provision that adapt as children’s needs and aspirations change

2. A local area partnership that works well together

We will continue to build a strong, joined-up system that works collaboratively across education, health and social care. This includes:

• clear roles, responsibilities and communication pathways to avoid duplication and create effective systems
• holistic, high-quality EHCPs that are co-produced with children, families and professionals
• transparent and timely communication so families only need to tell their story once
• respectful partnerships with families, with lived experience informing all areas of work

3. A skilled, supported and inclusive workforce and community

We will continue to build capacity and understanding across the local area to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This includes:

• training and support for staff across all services and sectors, including mainstream schools
• practical tools, advice and coaching to ensure training is embedded into everyday practice
• support for parent carers to understand systems and navigate SEND services
• promoting professional confidence, wellbeing and retention, especially for SENCOs and specialist staff

4. Clear pathways for support and meaningful transitions

We will develop and promote clear, joined-up pathways for support, with a particular focus on key transitions. This includes: 

• support that is consistent and accessible throughout a child’s life, with transitions between stages clearly supported
• a system that supports young people to move successfully into adulthood
• seamless planning between services so that transitions do not result in gaps or duplicated work
• families and young people knowing what to expect and when, with visible pathways and consistent information

5. Children and young people will receive the right support at the right time

We will ensure that support is timely, effective, and reduces the need for escalation or crisis. This includes:

• a strengthened graduated response in mainstream schools
• early identification and intervention supported by accessible services
• timely access to assessment and diagnosis across health, education and social care
• ensuring that support reflects real demand and is not held back by thresholds or delays

6. Inclusive and accessible community opportunities

We will support children and young people with SEND to access and participate fully in their communities. This includes:

• commissioned services and leisure activities that are co-produced, inclusive and responsive to needs
• removing practical and financial barriers that prevent participation
• making sure the Local Offer reflects the full range of opportunities for children and young people
• supporting transitions into adult services, post-16 education, employment and social opportunities