Have your say on our SEND strategy – your voice matters
Friday, 11 July 2025
We've launched a consultation asking for views on our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) strategy for 2025 to 2028.
The new strategy outlines 6 priorities that we wants to achieve over the next 3 years, to improve outcomes for children and young people up to 25 years old with SEND.
The 6 priorities are:
- person-centred and locally available education provision
- a local area partnership that works well together
- a skilled, supported and inclusive workforce and community
- clear pathways for support and meaningful transitions
- children and young people will receive the right support at the right time
- inclusive and accessible community opportunities
The new strategy was developed after seeking feedback from parent carers on the progress and impact of the current SEND strategy, which ran from 2022 until 2025. As well as seeking feedback, we asked parent carers and professionals about the challenges they faced regarding its current provision.
The strategy is also supported by an action plan that will outline how we will achieve each of the 6 priorities.
Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
It’s important that every child and young person with SEND has the best possible support in life, and the right support to thrive and reach their full potential. Our draft strategy plays a key role as we continue to improve our SEND provision, outlining the priorities that will guide our work over the next three years. It’s important that as many people as possible share their views to help shape the future of SEND support in Central Bedfordshire.
There's been an increase in demand for children and young people who need support for special educational needs and disabilities. In 2015, there were 1,177 children and young people who had an education, health and care plan (EHCP) in place. In 2025, that number is 4,035; an increase of 2,858 – or approximately 243% – in the past 10 years.
The consultation launched on Thursday 10 July 2025 and will run until 1 October 2025. We would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible, particularly parent carers who have children with SEND, and professionals who work with children and young people with SEND.
We're also hosting a series of consultation events where people can come and speak to the team and find out more about the draft strategy and the consultation.
Find out more and have your say – your voice matters.