The Wolverhampton SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board Strategy 2024 to 2027 sets out the vision and key priorities that the council and other partners in the city will focus on over the next 3 years.
It has been co-produced with stakeholders and has been updated to reflect the significant progress and changes in Wolverhampton’s SEND and inclusion services over the last 3 years. It features 5 key priorities:
- strengthening inclusive education systems with excellent mainstream and specialist provision that puts children and young people first, underpinned by the National Standards for SEND and Alternative Provision
- preparing children and young people for change and for adulthood, supporting them as they move from playgroups and nurseries to school, and into college, training or work
- building on the extensive expertise among SEND professionals, setting consistent standards and incentives to create a united workforce around the child or young person
- creating a vision for a SEND and alternative provision system where decisions are made collectively and consistently by partnerships and informed by robust data and evidence
- making sure that money is used in the best way so everyone can get the support they need, when they need it
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "We are determined that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including health and social needs, get the support they and their families need to lead a good quality life and to achieve their full potential.
"We believe that by working together with families and partners we will achieve this.
"This strategy sets out the vision and priorities of the SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board’s offer to children, young people and their families. It also recognises and builds on our strengths and what works well for families.
"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say during the consultation last autumn, with more than 85% of the respondents either agreeing or strongly agreeing with the priorities set out in the strategy.
"The Board will review the strategy and action plan on an annual basis to ensure that organisations remain focused on the right things and improve outcomes for children and young people in Wolverhampton."
The strategy, which can be read at Wolverhampton SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2027, will be presented to members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet next Wednesday 20 March, 2024.
The SEND and Inclusion Partnership Board includes representatives of key city partner organisations who meet regularly to provide strategic direction to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND and additional support needs.
The Local Offer website showcases the help and support available to children and young people with SEND in the city.
