Children to help shape services

Lincolnshire County Council wants parents, carers, children and young people to help shape and improve future services and provision for special educational needs and disability (SEND).

New Government legislation sets a number of significant changes to children with SEND from September 2014, covering all aspects of a child/young person’s journey from early years through to transition into adulthood.

Key elements of the new approach will be:

• A cohesive integrated system of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disability up to the age of 25, delivering support when and where they need it.
• Effective joint planning between education, health and care services to jointly commission support for children, young people and their families.
• A clear Local Offer of services and support available, reviewed regularly with families to maintain and improve them as required.
• Replace the current SEN statements and learning difficulties assessment systems with a more cohesive assessment process for quicker decisions and more effective support.
• The option for all young people and parents of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan to hold personal budgets if they wish.
• Improved support for young people in their transition to adulthood.

Coun Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “Responding to the Government’s plans for improving assessment in this area, the input of children, young people and families is vital in helping us to shape the services that will make a difference to them.

“We want to make sure that what we have in place provides the best options for children and families in Lincolnshire.”

Events have been arranged around the county to inform parents and carers of the forthcoming changes and also gather their views and suggestions to support developments.