We have submitted a new 3-year Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE), setting out how support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be strengthened across the city.
The plan has been developed in response to the government’s education reforms outlined in the Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.
As part of this national programme, all local authorities are required to submit a Local SEND Reform Plan detailing how they will partner with education, health and care services to deliver these improvements locally.
Brighton & Hove’s plan sets out how local services will work together over the next 3 years to deliver the ambitions of the White Paper, creating a more inclusive, high-quality and sustainable system for children and young people aged 0 to 25.
Key priorities include:
The plan outlines a phased approach, focusing on mobilisation in the first year, implementation in the second, and embedding improvements in the third.
The Local SEND Reform Plan implementation and success will be monitored by the city’s SEND & Alternative Provision (AP) Partnership Board, which brings together representatives from education, health, social care and our local parent and carer forum PaCC.
This reflects the White Paper’s emphasis on stronger partnership working and a more consistent experience for children, young people and families.
Alongside the submission, the partnership has highlighted the need for national support to fully deliver the ambitions of the reforms, particularly in addressing workforce challenges in specialist roles such as educational psychology and therapy services.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “Through the Schools White Paper, the government has set a clear ambition that every child should achieve and thrive, including those with SEND.
“In Brighton & Hove, demand for SEND support continues to grow across our diverse community. While there is strong practice across our schools and services, we know we must go further to improve early identification, access to support and outcomes.
“Our Local SEND Reform Plan sets out how we will work together with our partners and families to deliver on these national expectations locally, strengthening inclusion, improving joined-up support, and ensuring every child and young person with SEND has the best possible opportunity to succeed.”
The Local SEND Reform Plan has now been submitted to the DfE. The DfE will apply a consistent multi-tier assessment and moderation process to ensure that the review and assessment of plans is rigorous, consistent and fair. The Secretary of State will make the final decision to approve or not to approve our plan and Local Areas will receive a decision mid-September 2026.
Our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back for summer 2026, offering a range of exciting activities for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Our Skills & Employment Service has successfully gained Matrix Standard accreditation, which demonstrates best practice in information, advice and guidance.
A new youth centre was officially opened in Knoll Park in Hove on Friday 10 April, providing a dedicated space for local children, young people and families.