New strategy to support children and young people with SEND in York
Strategy outlines priorities for improving inclusion, early support, and service coordination
City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve a new five-year strategy aimed at supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families at a meeting scheduled for 7 October.
The proposed strategy, titled Inclusion and Belonging, outlines the council’s approach to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND by promoting inclusion in schools, communities, and wider society.
Developed through co-production with young people and families, the strategy focuses on four main priorities:
Voice and Influence & Working Together with Families – Promoting co-production and clear communication with families throughout service planning and delivery.
Early Identification and Support – Strengthening universal and targeted services to enable early identification of needs and timely, effective intervention.
Providing the Right Support at the Right Time – Encouraging joint working between education, health, and care services to meet needs effectively. This includes supporting inclusive practices in mainstream schools, enhancing workforce confidence and capacity, and ensuring access to specialist provision where required.
Preparation for Adulthood – Supporting transitions from early years through to independence, employment, and adult life.
In addition to these priorities, the strategy highlights the need to improve mental health support and build a skilled and confident workforce across services. It also addresses the experiences of children and young people who are not in school or are educated in alternative settings.
The strategy is intended to be flexible in anticipation of national SEND reforms expected in autumn 2025. It also aligns with the upcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which focuses on safeguarding and raising educational standards.
If approved, the strategy will guide the council’s SEND-related work over the next five years.