New joint SEND strategy to help children and young people with SEND be the best they can be

A new strategy has been agreed by council leaders to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to be the best they can be.

The joint strategy from the city council and the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been created to make sure that there is a clear, agreed vision across the city so that children and young people with SEND have the right support, at the right time, delivered by the right people.

Feedback from children, young people and their families has shaped the strategy and informed improvements to services to ensure that in Stoke-on-Trent, SEND is understood and embraced so services can work with children and families to shape solutions and meet ambitions for the future.

The SEND priorities outlined in the strategy are:

1. Nothing for us without us - We will build positive, trusting and respectful relationships with the children, young people and their families, ensuring that we listen to the lived experience and that their views help shape and form services.
2. Part of the community - All children, young people will feel safe, valued and included in schools and settings and within the wider community.
3. High aspirations and preparation for the future - We will have high aspirations for children and young people supporting them to reach their full potential and be independent and prepared for adulthood.
4. Identify and Assess Early - We will develop holistic plans together ensuring that support is meaningful, in the right place at the right time.
5. Skilled and knowledgeable professionals - We will have a workforce that has the skills and knowledge to meet needs locally and in a timely way.

You can read the new SEND Strategy by clicking here.