Council’s vision for its SEND services

The strategy has been co-written with parents and carers within Northumberland for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Other members of their families and schools, organisations, services and professionals who support them have also had an input.

It outlines the council, CCG’s and key stakeholders’ vision for children and young people with SEND between 2021 and 2024, and is aligned with the vision of the Children and Young People’s Plan for Northumberland.

This includes ensuring that support is in place and opportunities are available so that all children and young people in the county have the best start in life – being safe, happy, healthy and confident – and be well prepared for adult life.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, executive director for adult and children’s services, said: “This strategy will ensure that local services across education, health and social care work together to tackle any disadvantage or prejudice that negatively impacts upon our children and young people with additional needs.

“We want to provide the best educational support possible and for parents and carers to be confident their children are making good progress.

“Our aim is to achieve good outcomes through high quality, inclusive practice in our schools, with services wrapped around children, young people and their families to provide support at the earliest opportunity.

“For this strategy to be successful, we recognise our role and responsibility to work with children and their families to make sure that the support we provide is informed and shaped by the lived experiences of their children and young people.

“By working together, particularly during these times, all of our children and young people with additional needs will receive the support and encouragement they need in order to reach their full potential and live independent lives.”

People can view the SEND Strategy 2021/24 at nland.uk/SENDStrategy2021/24