This report sets out for approval the proposed Local Area SEND Reform Plan for Reading.

The Committee considered a report providing details of a partnership Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Reform Plan to deliver a shared vision and response to Government SEND reforms.  The plan was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report explained that on 23 February the Government had published wide-ranging reforms for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability in its SEND reform consultation Putting Children and Young People First. Through the proposals set out in the SEND reforms, the Government aimed to: provide children with SEND with a broader curriculum, boost outcomes for the most disadvantaged, and transform support to create a more inclusive system for those with SEND.  The reforms included a roadmap to access the financial support being made available to Local Authorities for both transformation and for the High Needs Block, including access to a Sustainability Grant equating to 90% of the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit as of end of financial year 2025/26.

The report explained that the SEND Reform Plan must be a partnership plan and needed to be signed off by both the NHS ICB and Council and delivered to the Department for Education by 19 June 2026 for funds to be released to Local Authorities in the autumn term.  

It was noted that the SEND reform proposals aligned strongly with work already undertaken and would help fulfil ambition in Reading for an even more inclusive education system, where every child had a school place in their neighbourhood that met their needs, they achieved well at school and had better outcomes, and to achieve a balanced Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block budget.

Officers had worked with health partners, parents and carers, children and young people and school leaders to deliver a shared vision and response to the proposals and a partnership SEND Reform Plan by the deadline of 19 June 2026.  It was noted that close work had been undertaken with the Families Forum in Reading during development of the plan, and meetings and engagement would continue throughout the year.  Officers would also be available on a regular basis in the family hubs to continue wider engagement with the community.

Resolved –

(1)        That the proposed Local Area SEND Reform Plan for Reading, subject to the proposed government funding allocations being made available, be approved;

(2)        That specified officers in line with published guidance, namely the Chief Executive, the Director of Finance and Executive Director of Children’s Services, be authorised to sign off the Plan.