Prime Highlights:
- Hampshire partnership says Government’s SEND reforms match the county’s approach, focusing on early support and help within local communities.
- The new teacher training programme will prepare all teachers to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Key Facts:
- The Government white paper proposes a new tiered model of SEND support, legal rights for all children, and extra funding for inclusive education.
- Hampshire partnership includes the county council, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and the Hampshire Parent and Carer Network, working together to expand specialist school provision and improve health services.
Background:
A Hampshire-wide partnership group has welcomed the Government’s national reforms aimed at improving support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The reforms, outlined in a Government white paper announced on Sunday, February 22, set out plans to transform the way children and young people with SEND are supported across England. Key proposals include a new tiered model of support, legal rights for all children with SEND, and additional funding for inclusive education. The Government is consulting on the proposals, with responses due by Monday, May 18.
The Hampshire partnership, which includes Hampshire County Council, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and the Hampshire Parent and Carer Network, said the reforms align closely with initiatives already underway in the county. The group has been working to expand specialist provision in schools and improve health services for children with SEND.
The group said it is encouraging that the Government’s plans match the steps Hampshire has already been taking. They added that helping children early and giving support nearby, in places they know and with friends, works best for both children and their families.
The group has focused on earlier intervention and increasing SEND provision both in dedicated special schools and within mainstream schools. It also welcomed the Government’s plans to improve training for teaching staff.
The group said they have been helping school staff learn new skills and gain experience to support all children. They welcomed the Government’s plan to provide training so that every teacher is prepared to help children with SEND.
Financial support to implement the changes was also highlighted. The group said clear funding will allow local authorities and health services to deliver the reforms effectively, sustainably, and collaboratively.
The partnership emphasized its ongoing commitment to parents and carers. “While we continue to work through the full details of the White Paper, we remain committed to bringing clarity and reassurance to families and ensuring that changes are delivered successfully, with children’s best interests at heart,” they said.
The Government’s consultation on the white paper marks a step toward nationwide improvements in SEND support, with Hampshire actively working to make these changes practical and beneficial for local children and families.
