Highlights and key activity
Maintained sector
We are working on several projects to:
- create new satellite sites
- expand special schools
- develop Specialist Support Centres
We are also installing temporary classrooms in schools that need more space.
Teams from education, health and therapy services are working more closely together to plan support for children and young people.
Independent sector
We have held 2 large engagement events with more than 60 providers as part of the recommissioning process.
A new data dashboard helps us to:
- plan services more effectively
- monitor performance
- make decisions about future provision
We are also providing training to help providers improve:
- safeguarding
- exam preparation
- SEND support
Impact on children and families
Feedback and case studies show that children receiving support are:
- more confident
- more independent
- experiencing better wellbeing
Better planning between services and more available placements mean more children can learn closer to home.
Children and families now receive more consistent support, and providers are delivering higher-quality services.
Key priorities
Maintained provision
Our next priorities are to:
- publish statutory notices and make final decisions on school expansion projects
- identify new sites for Specialist Support Centres
- launch small capital grants to help mainstream schools become more inclusive
Independent provision
Our next priorities are to:
- tender and evaluate a new Independent Alternative Provision framework
- improve how we monitor placements and transitions
- provide more training, webinars and partnership opportunities for schools and providers