Delivering Better Value SEND Update

We wanted to keep you updated about our Delivering Better Value in SEND programme.

As one of 55 councils taking part in the Department for Education’s ‘Delivering Better Value in SEND programme' we are now inviting schools, parents and carers to take part in the next stage, known as the diagnostic phase.

The aim of this programme is to improve ways of working to provide better outcomes for children and young people in Wirral with special education needs and disabilities and to improve financial performance.

We want to put children and young people at the heart of this plan. Parents and carers are encouraged to share their experiences and make sure we're focusing on the right areas by completing this short survey, https://forms.office.com/e/msa9aHHavW This survey will close on 20 October 2023.

Surveys have also been shared with schools to help us understand how we can support them in providing SEND support to families. This includes the practical changes needed and some of the barriers to these changes. Schools can take part by completing this survey https://forms.office.com/e/EBDj1JmzVm. This survey will also close on 20 October 2023.

During the diagnostic phase action plans will be developed to help us deliver the improvements. The government will also be collecting information from all the councils taking part to identify good practice and use it in future national policy.

Phase two of the programme, the implementation phase, will be when we deliver on the opportunities identified. As well as making a difference for local families the programme offers an opportunity for collaboration with other areas and sharing good practice – and most importantly to improve the experience and outcomes for children and young people with SEND whilst delivering more sustainable services that benefit everyone.

Later in the year we will be submitting an application for a grant to improve the SEND service. Full details on the project are available on the Council’s website