SEND Reforms To Be Scrutinised By Isle Of Wight Councillors

Proposed reforms to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities will come under the spotlight at the Isle of Wight Council this week.

Councillors are set to examine progress on local SEND improvement plans at a meeting of the Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee on Thursday evening.

The Isle of Wight, along with other local authorities across England, is required to submit proposals to improve SEND services by the end of June as part of the Government's wider reform programme.

The plans aim to tackle long-standing challenges, including delays in assessments, waiting times for support services and inconsistencies in outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

Councillors will review how local health and education partners are working together to deliver improvements, as well as how progress will be monitored in the months ahead.

The Government says its proposed reforms are designed to ensure children receive the right support earlier, regardless of where they attend school, while providing clearer pathways for families and strengthening support for those with the most complex needs.

However, the plans have sparked concern among some parents and campaigners.

Earlier this year, the Isle of Wight SEN Support Group raised what it described as "deep concerns" over the proposals, arguing they place too much emphasis on mainstream education and could make it harder for some children to access specialist support.

There have also been concerns that changes could reduce some legal protections currently available to families navigating the SEND system.

Thursday's meeting at County Hall is due to begin at 5pm.