SEND routemaps

Parent carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) have told the Southend SEND Area Partnership that they do not always understand how to access education, health and social care services, which can lead to a delay and frustration for families in accessing the right support at the right time.

The SEND Strategic Action Plan commits to producing a suite of SEND routemaps to support effective navigation through the SEND system in Southend-on-Sea.

Current routemaps developed:

Education, Care and Health Needs Assessment (EHCNA)

An Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) is the first step towards identifying if a child or young person needs an Education Health and Care (EHC) Plan. It is a formal evaluation of their educational, health, and care needs

Annual Reviews of Education Health and Care Plans

Education Health and Care (EHC) Plans must be reviewed at least every 12 months. This is done through a process called the Annual Review.

It is an important step to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the appropriate support and services.

EHCP phase transfer process for those entering Reception, year 3 (from an infant school), year 7 or year 9 (from a middle school) in September 2026

Moving to a new stage of education is also called a phase transfer. It happens when your child moves from:

• an early years setting to school
• infant school to junior school
• primary to secondary school

Identification and support for SEND in the early years

Supporting a child's development in the early years is crucial, and understanding the process can be even more important when a child has, or may have, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This resource is designed to be a helpful guide for families, early years practitioners, and anyone supporting young children. It outlines key information about identifying SEND in early childhood, the range of support available, and how to access it.

We aim to provide clear and accessible information to empower you to support your child's development and ensure they receive the best possible start.

Support for SEND in schools

Support for SEND in schools refers to the extra help and adjustments provided to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This support aims to ensure they can access education and achieve their full potential.

What to do if you are unhappy with the help your child is getting for their SEND at school

Education settings have a duty to:

• identify special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and;
• use best efforts to make sure pupils with SEND get the support they need

All schools must publish a SEN Information Report on their website. The report has information about the provision available at the school for pupil’s with SEND. It should also contain information about what to do if you are not happy with the help your child or young person is getting at school.

The Southend Graduated Response document outlines how all schools in Southend are expected to support children and young people with SEND.