Send reform - West Sussex

SEND reform - West Sussex

Earlier support. Greater inclusion. Better outcomes.

West Sussex County Council is working with key partners to deliver ambitious special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform across West Sussex.

In line with the government's SEND White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, we will put partnership working at the centre of this reform. We aim to provide support earlier, increase inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The SEND Reform Partnership brings together education, health and care partners, alongside parents, carers and young people. Together, they will help shape and deliver these changes across West Sussex.

About us

At West Sussex County Council, we want the best for children, families and our staff. We work together to provide the right support at the right time and help people as early as possible.

SEND reform is a key priority for the Children, Young People and Learning directorate. The SEND and Inclusion services within Education and Skills oversee its delivery.

We work with children, families, schools and partners across West Sussex to deliver SEND reform. The SEND Reform Partnership brings services together so we can achieve the goals set out in our SEND Reform Plan.

Our aim is to provide earlier support, increase inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. To support this work, we are investing in:

  • project support
  • leadership roles
  • specialist support within SEND and Inclusion services

These investments will help us deliver our SEND Reform Plan and create lasting improvements for children and families.

We are looking for dedicated professionals who put children and families at the centre of their work and who work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes.

When you join West Sussex County Council, you will become part of a supportive and committed team that makes a difference every day. Together, we help create brighter futures for children and families across West Sussex.

Message from our service managers

"Our names are Jack Jones and Andy Parker, and we are the heads of service for SEND and Inclusion at West Sussex. The SEND Reform plan and activity to deliver the plan sit under our oversight and we are excited to see the extensive work that took place to develop the plan being translated into delivery activity.
"We already have teams of dedicated SEND professionals both within the council and within the wider SEND partnership and we are looking to strengthen these teams through the recruitment of a range of specialists. If you are dedicated to working jointly with all partners to deliver meaningful change for children and families with SEND then we would love to hear from you". 

Jo Hill, SEND Reform Implementation Lead

"My name is Jo Hill, and I am the SEND Reform Implementation Lead in West Sussex. I started this role in August 2026 and am looking forward to putting into action the extensive action and ambitions reflected in our reform plan.

"To do this successfully we require support from highly specialist team members able to offer creative and flexible solutions to challenging situations and who are ultimately dedicated to delivering the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND. If this sounds like you, please get in touch".

Contact Jo Hill: