Implementation of the SEND Reforms – a national perspective

A Time for Change – Working Together

Waltham Forest Parent Carer Forum Conference

Tuesday 17 March 2015André Imich, SEND Professional Adviser, DfE

The New World of SEN

So…………..

How has the six months been?What have you noticed that’s been different?

Cultural change: putting children and young people and parents at the centre

Where disagreements happen, can be resolved early and amicably, with the option of appeal to Tribunal

Children, young people and parents are part of a joined up system, co-designed around their needs

Education Health and Care Plan is holistic, co-produced and is focused on outcomes

Extending choice and control over their support

Legislative change - The new SEN system

1. Co-production with children, young people and parents

2. All duties apply to all state-funded schools academies, colleges

3. Coordinated assessment; 0-25 Education, Health and Care Plan

4. LA, health and care services to commission services jointly

5. Clear, transparent local offer of services

6. Statutory protections for 16-25s; focus on preparing for adulthood

7. Offer of a personal budget; more choice and control

8. Applies to CYP detained in youth custody

LA Implementation Survey Spring 2015:

SEN Reforms - Understanding and engagement

High ratings: Parent Carer Forums Maintained schools

Low ratings Youth Justice partners Adult health services

5

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Most or allschools have

clear SENsystem in place

Local offerspublished

Jointcommissioningarrangements

are welldeveloped

LAs extremely/very confident EHC Plans will

meet 20 wkdeadline

LA implementation survey (Spring Term 2015)

7

What the Local Offer is

Schools - Publication of information

Provision in mainstream and special schools covered by almost all LA local offers.

All schools, including special schools, must publish their SEN Information Report on their website

LA local offer must include information about “in area education provision” – e.g. education settings (early years, schools and Post 16), where to find schools’ SEN Information reports and SEN services including early years.

10

Quality local offer

Developed with parents, children and young people Meets the legal requirements Accessible Has a feedback mechanism “Provides me with the information I am looking for

easily” “Looks good!”

11

Quality EHC assessments and plans:

12

• EHCP assessment pathway is compliant with the Code

• Enables families to be active contributors – co-produce

• Is timely - 20 weeks• Format follows the

Code

Ofsted recommendation (Dec 2014)

DfE, DoH and NHS England - considering accountability measures to monitor impact of reforms.

Complement local accountability arrangements

Inspection should be: − proportionate and risk-based − developed with YP, parents and carers, providers and

services, LAs and healthcare services − focused on identifying need and improving outcomes

in education, health and social care.

Accountability model

EXTERNAL INSPECTION (Ofsted, CQC)

Transferring to the new system

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/348591/Transition_to_the_new_0_to_25_special_educational_needs_and_disability_system_statutory_guidance_for_local_authorities.pdf

The Transition/Transfer process

It’s an EHC needs

assessment

For statements,

max 14 weeks

Where agreed, can use existing

advice

The LA is responsible

Schools play a key

role

ISs can help

families and YP

Young person can ask for an

assessment

Statements by April 18,

LDAs by Sept 16

For LDAs, max 20 weeks

No child to lose out

Early National Implementation Issues

Ensuring there is genuine, and continuing, co-production

Moving towards the full vision of the local offer.

Transition from statements to Education Health Care Plans

Ensuring all agencies play their role

Leadership and

developing the

workforce

“I was very impressed with the meeting last week, it’s probably the first time I've walked out of a meeting with someone from the LEA and actually felt my child's views were listened to.”

“We felt very included in the whole process and as if everyone was really interested in the best outcome for (name of child). I particularly appreciated having phone calls and contact with a named person.”

“We were able to discuss and value the positive side of my son” “Having opportunity to meet with key people together rather than

many separate meetings.  Support from parent partnership was immense and school and others worked well together”

Family experiences of the new system

The journey towards further improvement.....…

Co-production Local offer Developing post-16 provision Wider school improvement agenda and SEN support Quality assessment leading to quality EHCP Advice, guidance and support Measuring impact Workforce development Leadership

19

In conclusion………

Nationally Challenges are evident – commitment to finding solutions Advice, guidance and support is available and continuing Need to maintain focus on co-production Many families already reporting improvements Development of accountability framework Evolution not revolution