Hertfordshire County Council has set out sweeping plans to overhaul its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, promising earlier support, better collaboration with families, and improved access to local school places.

The draft three-year strategy – approved for public consultation this week – aims to deliver a SEND system that "truly puts children first", following what council leaders describe as years of crisis and failing provision.

According to the council, the proposals have been shaped by feedback from more than 1,000 people across Hertfordshire, including children and young people with SEND, parents, teachers, and health and social care professionals.

Key commitments in the new strategy

• Earlier identification of children's needs and faster access to the right support
• Closer collaboration between the council, families, schools and partners – with a commitment to listen and adapt services
• More inclusive schools, including additional local specialist units so more children can learn near home
• Continued investment in special schools for pupils with the most complex needs
• Improved support for children and families to plan next steps in education and care
• Fairer, more consistent SEND provision across the county

Council leaders say the reforms are urgently needed to reverse longstanding problems and rebuild trust with families.

Call for fairer government funding

The council has also urged central government to provide more sustainable SEND funding, warning that national challenges continue to place huge pressure on local services.

'Ambitious but realistic plans'

Cllr Mark Watkin, Liberal Democrat executive member for education, SEND and inclusion, said the new administration had made SEND reform a top priority since taking office in May. "Our mission is to give every Hertfordshire child the education they deserve. For far too long, the children who most need support have been let down by a failing system. We now have a robust strategy to put that right. Since May we've been working closely with young people, parents and professionals to identify what needs fixing. We've harnessed their experiences to formulate ambitious but realistic plans."

He encouraged residents across Hitchin and wider Hertfordshire to share their views as part of the consultation.

How to take part

The public consultation runs until 6 February 2025.

Residents can read the full draft strategy and submit their views at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDstrategy