Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Strategic Objectives

Reset the tone of the SEND agenda: Whilst we recognise that SEND sits within a very challenging financial context, our core aim is to work together to improve outcomes, whilst using resources responsibly and advocating for appropriate funding to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children, young people and families within our communities and region. 

Hear and act on the voices and experiences of children and young people with SEND and their families: We will place the experiences of our children, young people and families at the heart of our work so it shapes and challenges our priorities, what good looks like and what we can do better. 

Best practice and collaboration to improve outcomes and efficiency: Seeking out best practice to improve outcomes for children and young people, strengthen the offer and equity of access, raise aspirations and enhance efficiency. Working together to support families to thrive in their communities and achieve best independence, and recognising that children, young people and families live within communities that cut across local authority boundaries and opportunities for better collaboration across commissioning, delivery, inclusiveness and quality. 

Responding regionally to the changing landscape: Making sure we are coordinated and attune to changing needs of the SEND landscape – including post Covid assurance, regulatory and statutory changes and transformation of health commissioning and delivery arrangements with Sustainable Transformation Plan and Integrated Care developments.

Key Programmes

Within the LIIA SEND Delivery Plan, there as several key programmes designed to support colleagues working across SEND Services in London Boroughs:

• SEND Reform Readiness and System Leadership: The SEND Reform Readiness and System Leadership programme supports London LAs and partners to prepare for and implement SEND reforms. Through the London SEND Leadership programme, peer learning and improvement activity, the programme helps local areas strengthen partnership working, build capacity and deliver sustainable change across education, health and care.
• SEND Inclusion and Learning: The SEND Inclusion and Learning programme supports the development of more inclusive education systems across London. Through networks, conferences and practical improvement tools, the programme showcases effective practice, promotes collaboration and helps schools and local areas improve outcomes and belonging for children and young people with SEND.
• SEND Workforce: The SEND Workforce programme supports London to recruit, retain and develop a skilled SEND workforce across education, health and care. The programme works with partners to address workforce challenges through research, workforce planning, leadership development and initiatives such as the Educational Psychologist Pledge & Big SEND Conversation
• SEND Data and Intelligence: The SEND Data and Intelligence programme provides the insight and evidence needed to support strategic decision-making and improvement activity across London. Through benchmarking, data analysis and shared intelligence, the programme helps local areas better understand need, monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• SEND Finance and Commissioning: The SEND Finance and Commissioning programme supports local authorities and partners to strengthen financial sustainability, commissioning practice and sufficiency planning. Through regional networks, benchmarking, financial resilience support and commissioning projects, the programme helps local areas respond to growing demand while delivering better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Preparing for Adulthood and Employment: The Preparing for Adulthood and Employment programme supports young people with SEND to achieve positive outcomes beyond education. Through the London Supported Employment Network and wider partnership activity, the programme helps develop inclusive employment pathways, share good practice and improve opportunities for young people across London.
• Networks and Engagement: The Networks and Engagement programme brings together professionals, partners and stakeholders from across education, health and care to share learning, strengthen collaboration and shape regional priorities. Through a range of pan-London networks, communities of practice and engagement opportunities, the programme supports peer learning, promotes innovation and provides a forum for discussing emerging challenges and opportunities across the SEND system.