The Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the approval of the Local SEND Reform Plan, acknowledging the strength of the local partnership's vision. This endorsement allows the city to proceed with the 3-year plan, which seeks to establish a more inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable SEND system across education, health, and care services for individuals aged 0 to 25.
Developed collaboratively with partners from education, health, and care sectors, the plan aims to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time and in the right place. Key priorities include integrating services to function as a single system, identifying needs earlier, and enhancing family partnerships through clearer information and an improved Local Offer.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, described the approval as a significant milestone. "We know that too many families have experienced frustration waiting for support or navigating a system that can feel complex and difficult," she stated. "Our Local SEND Reform Plan sets out how we will work differently across education, health and care to provide earlier help, strengthen inclusion and ensure every child and young person has the best possible opportunity to succeed."
The government's approval letter noted that Brighton & Hove's plan meets the required threshold and provides a sound foundation for delivery, recognising the importance of strong local leadership and partnership working. The first year of the programme will focus on mobilising reforms, building capacity, and establishing new services and partnerships. Future years will concentrate on embedding and refining these changes for long-term benefits.
Implementation and success will be monitored by the city’s SEND & Alternative Provision (AP) Partnership Board, which includes representatives from education, health, social care, and PaCC, the city's parent and carer forum.
