A landmark summit focusing on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Hertfordshire took place on Sunday 15 September, bringing together families, educators, health professionals and council leaders to discuss improvements to the county's SEND system.

More than 140 people attended the event in person, with a further 100 joining online. Participants included parents, teachers, SEND specialists, young people, council executives and representatives from the NHS.

The summit was organised by Hertfordshire County Council's new Liberal Democrat administration, which has said that SEND will be a top priority following concerns raised in a recent Ofsted inspection that highlighted serious shortcomings in provision.

The day included keynote speeches from council leaders and Dame Christine Lenehan, the Government's strategic advisor on SEND, followed by a live Q&A session. Workshops covered issues such as hidden disabilities, assumptions around special needs, and included presentations from young people with SEND themselves.

Ideas and insights developed during the sessions will now feed into the council's future SEND strategy.

Cllr Steve Jarvis, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said:

"For too long, many families felt their voices weren't heard. This summit is about listening, collaboration, and finding practical ways forward. I want to thank all the parents, young people and education professionals who took part and contributed so many valuable ideas."

Cllr Mark Watkin, executive member for education, SEND and inclusion, added:

"The summit was a crucial opportunity to learn from those with lived experience and expertise. We'll take everything we've heard into our work as we develop a strategy to deliver better outcomes for Hertfordshire's children."

The council has pledged to publish a new SEND improvement plan later this year, incorporating feedback from the summit and earlier consultations.