SEND newsletter - October 2025
Keep reading for the Nottinghamshire local area partnership’s updates and information for families in the county.
We're keen to hear from parents, carers, professionals and young people so that we can find out what you like and find useful about the newsletter and what you'd like to see from us in future editions. Please take a moment to share your thoughts in our SEND newsletter survey.
In this email:
- SEND monitoring inspection outcome
- Share your ideas for activities at the specialist support teams' new buildings
If you know anyone else who might find this useful, please forward them this email or share the link to sign up to the newsletter!
SEND monitoring inspection
We’re proud to share that Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have recognised the “effective action” taken by the Nottinghamshire Local Area Partnership to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The report noted
- improved quality and timeliness of education and health care plans (EHCP).
- new support for neurodevelopmental and speech and language assessments.
- stronger governance and multi-agency collaboration.
We know that there is more to do and we’re committed to continuing our progress and listening to the voices of families to shape better services.
|
DfE data shows Nottinghamshire’s progress
The Department for Education (DfE) recently published statistics for children subject of, or requesting, an education, health and care plan in 2024. In Nottinghamshire, We have reviewed this data, comparing our performance against other local authorities most similar to ourselves (our statistical neighbours). The key findings for Nottinghamshire are:
- Requests for an EHCP rose from 1,380 in 2023 to 1,719 in 2024, showing a 25% increase on the previous year.
- A growing number of children with an EHCP rising from 4,275 in 2023 to 5,422 in 2024, showing a 27% increase compared to the previous year.
- Continued improvement in the proportion of new EHCPs issued in timescale. Figures in 2024 showed 472 issued within timescale, rising to 37.5% – a 23-fold increase in just two years.
- The vast majority of children (96%) on an EHCP received an annual review, where one was expected, and three-quarters of those had outcomes communicated within four weeks.
Young people take charge of their health
A powerful new animation created by students from West Nottinghamshire College is set to help young people and their families better understand the journey of preparing for adulthood (PFA) and transitioning within health services.
|
Share your ideas for activities at the specialist support team's new buildings
The specialist support teams want to make sure that the activities they offer over the coming year within the fully inclusive centres at Netherfield and Forest Town are focused on the needs of the families who access them.
Share your ideas and suggestions before Friday 28 November and you could win a £25 gift voucher!
|
Sensory bags in ASDA, Arnold
With the support of funding from local councillors, SEND Parents and Carers Together Notts Community Interest Company (SEND PacT), in partnership with Squiggles and Giggles Sensory, has provided two sensory bags for children, young people and adults shopping in Arnold’s Asda supermarket.
Leanne and James, the founders of SEND PaCT, are delighted that the sensory bags have been well received, with one parent saying, "my child has used this twice now, they absolutely love it, thank you, they ask if they can go to Asda every day now."
|
A message from SEND coproduction officer Jeanette Hallam
"I’d just like to say a big thank you to all the parents who have taken part in conversations about special educational needs and disabilities in Nottinghamshire. The insight I’ve gained as the newly appointed SEND Coproduction Offer has been invaluable.
"If you would like to take part in further conversations, consultations, codesign and coproduction, watch this space as I’ll be sharing ideas about upcoming projects here."
|
Children and young people’s short breaks
Due to a significant increase in demand, unfortunately at this time we're not able to provide an assessment in the timescale we normally would.
In response to the demand, we are working towards developing a more sustainable and fairer offer for short breaks that will enable us to sustain the service in the long term.
You can apply for a short break in the usual way but if you request an assessment, you will be added to a waiting list. Please be reassured that if you’d prefer not to wait, you can still access the standard offer without an assessment.The standard offer provides an annual payment of £216 by direct payment on to a pre-paid debit card to fund activities.
|
Award for SEND data dashboard
This year's Health Service Journal Patient Safety Award for Care for Children and Young People Initiative of the Year, recognised local work led by NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board to develop an outcomes-based dashboard for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The dashboard is believed to be the first of its kind to combine health, social care, and education data, providing a comprehensive view of SEND children in Nottinghamshire.
|
Coming up for half term: holiday activities and food
Nottinghamshire’s holiday activities and food programme (HAF) offers a variety of SEND activities or young people
For school-aged children in full time education, from reception to year 11, who receive benefits-related free school meals.
The government initiative offers support to families on lower incomes, giving young people the opportunity to take part in activities and a healthy meal during the October half term school holiday.
|
Drop in event for parents and carers
Come and join a community support event, designed to
make our SEND information and resources more accessible, at Chilwell Family Hub from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday 13 November 20205.
Drop in at any time! Stay as long as you like, enjoy cold soft drinks and delicious cake.
This is an opportunity for families to come together, connect and chat with SEND professionals to find out about the support available in Nottinghamshire.
|
Independent travel training
Learning to travel independently can be a major step towards increased confidence and independence for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Our Independent Travel Training programme is designed to help young people gain the skills they need to travel safely to and from school, college or work.
The offer is provided free to schools, colleges and other providers in Nottinghamshire.
|
|
