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The new County Council elected last May faced a growing challenge of more children being identified with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) each year, and a service recently assessed as inadequate by OFSTED.
By the end of 2024/2025 the number of children with identified SEND needs was 41,800, 18% of pupils. The number of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) had increased by over 17% to reach 14,800, but despite the County Council providing 487 new special school places last year, some children are still waiting more than a year.
HCC Councillor Mark Watkin was appointed as the Cabinet Member for Education SEND and Inclusion with the key task of engaging with families and children. September 15th was set for a SEND Summit, preceded by a series of in-person events and surveys with over 1,000 responses. The Summit was a huge success, the themes arising are captured in the picture below.
HCC will soon issue its new SEND strategy, reflecting what they heard. At its core is their commitment to keep on listening and engaging with families. If you want to talk about SEND, please contact Mark.Watkin@hertfordshire.gov.uk |
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