Local SEND Improvement

Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme

The Department for Education’s Delivering Better Value (DBV) in SEND programme aims to support local authorities and their partners to improve the delivery of SEND services for children and young people whilst working towards financial sustainability.

Graphic showing cartoon young people from all background and all disabilities, mainly in blue and white

Grant application

In August 2023, the local area began their grant application to the Department of Education (DofE) for the Delivering Better Value (DBV).

The grant application process involved a thorough analysis of the local area. Professionals from education, health, and social care participated. So did parents/carers and young people. Their goal was to find the real constraints in the system. They would then see how these constraints affected outcomes for SEND CYP.

The grant application received approval in March 2024.

The four DBV workstreams

The local area will focus on the following four areas. They aim to deliver better outcomes for CYP with SEND alongside the DBV grant.

Develop an approach to agreeing on High Needs Block funding. Then, ensure the achievement of the agreed outcomes with proper use of resources.
Partners must work together to meet children's and young people's needs early on. They must ensure children and young people get the right help at the right time.
To help the Local Area to deliver the graduated approach. Early years settings and mainstream schools will show how they put in place and track Ordinary Available Provision (OAP).
The goal is to create a consistent communication approach across the local area. This will help people understand the available support and training. It will also help parents, carers, and professionals understand and utilise the offer.

To ensure that all children and young people with SEND can access high-quality education in Buckinghamshire. Or, they should be as close to home as possible.
Education meets the needs of children and young people and helps them achieve positive outcomes.
That all schools and partners have confidence in the quality of the graduated approach in Buckinghamshire to provide inclusivity across all settings.
To develop plans for alternative provision. These plans must include how partners ensure they have the right amount and types of provision to meet the needs of children and young people.
To build an inclusive culture in education and the wider community in Buckinghamshire.

Set up systems that allow different services to collaborate, and provide the necessary support to children and young people in Buckinghamshire.
Improve access to short breaks, respite, and wider care provision for young people with complex needs.
Review and simplify processes and systems. This will make it easier for families and partners to get the right support at the right time.
Contribute to local education sufficiency planning. This is for children and young people with the most complex needs.
Contribute to key strategic priorities linked to Preparation for Adulthood.

All early years settings and schools use the PfA framework. They use it to develop the knowledge, skills, and independence of children and young people with SEND.
Support all children and young people so they can advocate for themselves. Encourage them to make choices. That they enjoy being part of inclusive communities. They thrive as they go through life's changes.
Develop the support for post-16 transitions. This support will include preparation for further education, work, and/or volunteering.
Develop the work with post-16 providers. Help them to prepare young people for post-19 transitions. This includes higher education, training, supported internships, and employment. It also includes meaningful opportunities like volunteering and community engagement.
Children's and adult services work together to promote positive transitions for young people.

Local SEND Improvement

Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme

Grant application

The four DBV workstreams

Early support

Education sufficiency and decision making

Complex needs

Preparation for Adulthood

Related content