SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2025 to 2030
Introduction
In Buckinghamshire we are ambitious to continue to improve the support we provide to:
- children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities,
- and their families.
‘Local Area Partnership’ is a term used throughout this strategy. This partnership includes CYP people with SEND and their families/carers. It also includes those in education, health and care (including the voluntary and community sector) who are responsible for:
- strategic planning,
- commissioning,
- management,
- delivery,
- and evaluation of arrangements for CYP with SEND who live in Buckinghamshire.
This strategy builds on our 2021 to 2023 strategy. It reflects the progress Buckinghamshire has made since the publication of the Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission SEND Inspection outcome report in March 2022. It sets out our key priorities and the steps we are taking to achieve our goals. This strategy is delivered through the Local Area Partnership’s SEND Strategic Delivery Plan which incorporates the:
- Buckinghamshire Written Statement of Action (WSoA) 2022
- Early Identification and Intervention to Better Support CYP’s Therapy Needs
- All Age Autism Strategy
Buckinghamshire’s financial position (High Needs Block) is challenging. This is due to the increase in demand for SEN support against the smaller increase in funding. Although this is recognised as a national issue, there is a requirement for Councils to manage this. This 5-year strategy will not address the growing High Needs deficit. It will contribute to managing the growth in the deficit and the increase in demand, as seen in:
- the number and complexity of requests for support for SEND needs across the partnership,
- and the increased pressure on local provision and reliance on high-cost independent placements.
This strategy will support the development of Buckinghamshire’s SEND sufficiency activities. It aims to provide local provision that meets the needs of CYP, allowing them to remain part of their local community. The financial impact of this demand has been evidenced in the Local Government Association report. The report was published in July 2024, which is calling for national reform of the SEND system.