Help shape the future of SEND and Alternative Provision in Southend

Introduction

Over the past few years, partners across education, health, care and the voluntary sector have worked together to improve support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This has led to significant progress in many areas, including stronger partnership working, improved statutory processes and the development of new support and services.

As we look ahead, we are now beginning a refresh of the Southend SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy for 2027 to 2029. Rather than developing an entirely new strategy, we will build on the strong foundations already in place, retaining our vision and core commitments while strengthening our focus on the areas that matter most to children, young people and families.

Why are we refreshing the strategy?

The decision to refresh the 2023 to 2026 strategy is informed by several important developments. Most recently, the findings from Southend's Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Area SEND Inspection have highlighted areas where the partnership must strengthen its work to improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The refreshed strategy will align closely with our Strategic Action Plan and provide a longer-term vision for how we will address these priorities and sustain improvement across the SEND system. Area SEND inspections focus on how effectively local partners work together to improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The refresh will also take account of the national direction of travel for SEND reform. The government's SEND reforms place a strong emphasis on early identification and intervention, inclusion, improved partnership working, clearer accountability, preparation for adulthood and ensuring children and young people receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

We want our refreshed strategy to build on these principles while reflecting the specific needs, strengths and priorities of Southend. Most importantly, we want it to be shaped by those who know the SEND system best: the children, young people, families and practitioners who experience it every day.

The refreshed strategy will focus on:

• preparing young people with SEND for adulthood and successful transitions
• improving the quality and impact of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• strengthening inclusion, attendance, early support and outcomes within education settings
• improving emotional wellbeing, mental health support and neurodevelopmental pathways

Your views matter

We want to hear from:

• children and young people
• parents and carers
• schools, colleges and early years settings
• health and care professionals
• voluntary and community organisations
• partners across education, health and social care
• anyone with an interest in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND

By sharing your experiences, ideas and insights, you can help us understand:

• what is working well and should continue
• what could be improved
• what our priorities should be over the next three years
• what success would look like for children, young people and their families

Opportunities to give your feedback and get involved

Over the coming months there will be a range of opportunities to influence the refreshed strategy, including:

• online feedback platform/surveys
• stakeholder engagement events
• existing partnership meetings and forums
• sessions with children and young people
• targeted discussions with education, health and care partners

We encourage everyone with an interest in SEND and Alternative Provision to take part and help shape the next phase of our journey. Together, we can build a more inclusive, ambitious and responsive SEND system that improves outcomes and experiences for Southend's children and young people.

1. In-person engagement opportunities

We are running 2 drop-in events (no need to book).

• Tuesday 17 November, 9.30am to 11.30am at The Forum, Elmer Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1NS.
• Monday 30 November, 9.30am to 11.30 at Shoeburyness Youth and Community Centre, 204 Delaware Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9NS.

Additionally, you will be able to give your views at these events:

• SSIF Coffee and Chat session on Tuesday 10 November, 10am to 11.30am at SAVS, 29 to 31 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BW
• SEND Surgery on Wednesday 25 November, 9am to 11am at Blenheim Primary School, School Way, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4HX
• SEND Information Day on Friday 29 November, 10am to 2pm at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER

2. In-person event for organisation members of the Southend SEND Network

This event is exclusively for organisations who are members of the Southend SEND Network.

• Friday 20 November, 12pm to 2pm. Southend-on-Sea Civic Centre, Committee Room 4

3. Online engagement events

These sessions will be held using Microsoft Teams. Bookings to be made through Eventbrite.

• Thursday 12 November, 7pm to 8.30pm. Book a place.
• Tuesday 17 November, 12.30 to 2pm. Book a place.

4. Share your views on the SSIF Padlet

Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) are the SEND Parent Carer Forum for Southend.

They have set up a Padlet where you can share your views. Visit the Padlet.

5. Share your views through a Southend SEND Partnership survey

There is a survey for children and young people, and another for all other stakeholders, which includes parents and carers of children and young people with SEND and professionals.

Both surveys can be found in the surveys section on this page and are anonymous.