SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2025 to 2030
Priority 1: Early support and inclusion
Children with SEND and their families will have their needs met at the earliest opportunity. Preventing escalation of need where possible. They will be able to easily access a wide range of effective support to help them achieve positive outcomes and lead fulfilling lives.
Children with SEND and their families will have their needs met at the earliest opportunity. Preventing escalation of need where possible. They will be able to easily access a wide range of effective support to help them achieve positive outcomes and lead fulfilling lives.
The Local Area acknowledges that currently, needs are not always identified and supported as early as possible. We are committed to improving these processes to ensure timely and effective assistance for all children and young people (CYP). Families and professionals often face challenges in accessing universal help. This is due to a lack of awareness and knowledge about the available support. This gap can delay crucial interventions and hinder the effectiveness of support services.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for increased support for schools in implementing the graduated approach. This ensures that they have the necessary resources and training to provide tailored support to children with SEND. Evidence of this issue is reflected in the SEN support figures. Buckinghamshire’s rate of 12.7% is lower than the national average of 14.2%. Addressing these issues is essential for creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Aspirations
Children and young people have shared the following aspirations:
- “I feel in control of how I receive support”
- “I know about what support from health services I am entitled to, including mental health support through CAMHS, and won’t wait a long time to access this”
- “I access specialised support if I received trauma at an early age”
- “I can access my GP with no barriers for me to receive the support I need”
- “I won’t experience trauma that can be prevented, which impacts on the rest of my life”
- “I will be safeguarded by the people that support me, which will reduce further disabilities or trauma”
- “My mental health needs are supported on an ongoing basis, not only at crisis point”
- “I access age-appropriate activities with the right support”
- “I am allowed to engage in activities that don't match my peers”
- “I have teachers who read my EHCP, understand my needs and have the time to support me”
- “I feel my peers understand my needs and include me in school life”
What we will do
- Work across the whole system to make sure CYP’s needs are understood as early as possible. This is so that all partners can provide the right support at the right time.
- Continuously seek out opportunities to upskill and develop the SEND workforce in Buckinghamshire.
- Support settings to feel confident in delivering the graduated approach. Early years settings and mainstream settings will be able to show how Universal Provision is implemented and monitored clearly.
- Communicate with professionals and families more effectively by developing a consistent approach. This will mean that parents, carers and professionals access a comprehensive Local Offer. They will know about the support and training available and be able to signpost appropriately.
- Develop a culture of inclusivity across educational settings and wider community providers.