SEND Transformation Programme
SEND Transformation
March update
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Like many councils across the country, Sandwell is experiencing significant and sustained pressure on its SEND system. Demand for support has increased over time, with more children and young people presenting with increasingly complex needs, while expectations on councils, schools, health services and wider community partners continue to grow. At the same time, Sandwell's SEND system is operating within a challenging national context, shaped by ongoing reforms, workforce pressures and financial constraints.
Overcoming these challenges requires fundamental, whole-system change. In our last bulletin, we announced our partnership with transformation specialists, Newton, who have worked with over 100 public sector organisations to deliver measurable and sustainable improvements in outcomes for people in their communities. The Newton team will be working shoulder-to-shoulder with Sandwell council and parent carers, health, social care, schools and voluntary organisations to design, trial and implement changes to the SEND system over the next 12 months. The programme aims to deliver timelier, more joined up and consistent Inclusion and SEND support for children, young people and their families in Sandwell, focussing on four key areas:
- Ensuring we have a comprehensive and effective Whole School SEND and Inclusion Offer so children, young people, their families and schools know what support is available to them and how to access it.
- Building the right capacity and capability locally through a new tiered system of SEND support so that children and young people can be supported closer to home and within their communities.
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Redesigning our Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) processes and ways of working across council teams so that families can access support more consistently without delay or duplication.
- Creating a travel assistance model that promotes independence for CYP, working with transport providers to deliver high-quality support.
All of this work will be underpinned by a co-designed SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) strategy that is aligned to national SEND reforms and reflects our vision for CYP and families in Sandwell. We will be drafting the strategy over the next few months and then gathering feedback from parents carers, schools and wider partners from May 2026 onwards in order to evolve the strategy further and ensure it meets the needs of the Sandwell community.
Children and Young People and their families will be at the heart of any changes and both Sandwell Council and Newton are committed to working transparently and collaboratively throughout the SEND Transformation Programme. We will continue to share regular updates on progress as improvements are developed and put in place.
Introducing the Government’s Schools White Paper and SEND Reform Consultation
The Government has released its new Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, alongside a national consultation on major reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. These proposals aim to create a clearer, more consistent and inclusive framework of support for children and young people with SEND across England.
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or book a session below.
Other SEND news, activities and events
Celebrating Real Success: Young People and Employers Transforming SEND Employment in Sandwell
Sandwell’s Supported Employment and Supported Internship programmes continue to change lives, one opportunity, one workplace, and one young person at a time. The latest collection of real stories shines a light on the incredible journeys of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and the committed employers who help make those journeys possible.
Young people like Kristian, Gemma, Bailey, and Mitchell have taken inspiring steps into the world of work—gaining new skills, building confidence, and discovering new aspirations. With support from Sandwell Employment Services, they’ve experienced meaningful work placements, site visits, tasters and coaching, each tailored to help them succeed in real working environments.
These successes wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our local employers. Organisations such as CMT Engineering, Dimensions, Housing 21, and UK Access Solutions have embraced inclusive recruitment, offering flexible, supportive and person‑centred opportunities that bring out the best in every young person. Their willingness to adapt, mentor and champion our participants is helping to reshape what inclusive employment looks like in Sandwell.
This year, 22 young people with SEND are also taking part in Supported Internship programmes across the Black Country, including new DFN Project SEARCH sites at Asda Oldbury and Asda Great Bridge. These programmes offer structured, work‑based learning supported by expert job coaches, helping young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan take their first steps into meaningful, sustainable employment.
These real stories remind us of the power of collaboration—between families, schools, employers and support teams—to create opportunities where young people can grow, shine and contribute. Together, we are building a more inclusive Sandwell, where every young person has the chance to achieve their ambitions.
Read more about our young people and employers' stories
For more information on supported internships and employment opportunities for young people with SEND aged 19 - 25 visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/SETeam
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Supported Internships with the Westminster School
If you’ve been to Asda in Oldbury recently, you may have met some of our brilliant young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who are doing fantastically well on their Supported Internship Programme.
 The Westminster School and The Westminster Specialist College are running the programme to help these young people develop independence, confidence and ultimately get into paid employment. They’re working in the store in a range of roles.
 Last week, our Cabinet Member for Children and Families Councillor Jalal Uddin went along to meet the interns, job coaches and staff and hear how they are getting on.
 It’s an incredible programme that we’re thrilled to be a part of - creating brighter futures for young people in Sandwell, reducing inequality and bridging the gap between education and employment.
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News from the parent carer forum: Sandwell Parents Voices United (SPVU)
Who is the Sandwell Parents Voices United (SPVU)
SPVU is an independent organisation run by volunteers who are all parents or carers of children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
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Upcoming events & contact details
Please check out our website and Facebook page for upcoming events which are also shared with partners and schools.
Please join us today, and ensure your voice is heard visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PBJKT5Y
If you need any support please contact us via:
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You said-we did: Lived experiences, short breaks and local offer steering groups
SPVU work together with partners from education, health & social care to ensure your voice is being heard by services and we all work towards positive improvement for our children and young people.
With colleagues from Inclusion Learning Services, we sit with parent carers on a lived experience panel, advising of challenges we face and what we feel we need to make change happen
We encourage you to share your experiences, both positive and negative, with us so we can help make change in Sandwell. We know, sometimes, change is a long time coming, yet we can see change occurring and we would ask you to reach out, via our contact details below, to ensure your voice is heard. We share responses, where and when we can, to all manner of challenges, often with a quick resolution.
We keep your important issues on the SEND radar until we find a solution to benefit everyone.
Please contact SPVU if you would like more information about any of the steering groups and how to join us.
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Neurodiversity resources
When you first discover that your child sees the world a little differently, it can feel overwhelming.
But as you begin to understand their unique perspective, it becomes a truly rewarding journey-one filled with learning, growth, and connection.
We are a group of parent carers in Sandwell, each at different stages of this journey. Like you, we once felt unsure where to turn for help. This resource brings together practical tips, real-life experiences, and trusted information from families like yours.
We’ve included helpful links, recommended books, videos, and blogs—resources we’ve personally found useful. It’s not meant to be read cover to cover, but dipped into whenever a topic becomes relevant to your family.
Every child is unique, and so is every family’s path. We hope this guide offers support, reassurance, and a sense of community.
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Discover SPDC: Support, activities and community for families
Are you a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) in Sandwell? Sandwell Parents for Disabled Children (SPDC) is here for you!
SPDC is a local charity that provides:
- Fun activities for children and young people with SEND, including sports, arts, and family days out.
- Support for parents and carers, helping you connect with others who understand your journey.
- Information and advice about services, short breaks, and opportunities in Sandwell.
ℹ️ Read our March to April newsletter to find out more about our exciting events and activities or..
ℹ️ Visit www.sp-dc.org to become a member, and explore the fantastic opportunities available.
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Sandwell expands SEND school places
Sandwell Council is investing £1.66 million to expand SEND resource provision at two local schools
Ocker Hill Academy on Gospel Oak Road, Tipton (DY4 0DS) will increase its specialist places from 10 to 15, supporting more children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs within their local community
Wood Green Academy on Wood Green Road, Wednesbury (WS10 9QU) will gain a new 20‑place SEND resource base, expanding much‑needed capacity in the Wednesbury area
Both schools are part of the Department for Education’s national School Rebuild Programme
While final construction schedules will be confirmed by the DfE, the council expects funding to be released in 2026/27 or 2027/28 in line with the programme’s delivery timetable
These improvements support Sandwell’s commitment to ensuring children with SEND can access high‑quality, inclusive education close to home, reducing reliance on out‑of‑borough placements.
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Supporting Independence at Meadows Post-16: Travel Training Update
Sandwell’s Independent Travel training Unit is delighted to share an exciting update from the Travel Training Team. Last half term, we’ve been working closely with Meadows Special School Post-16 Hub to support young people in building their confidence and independence when travelling.
All Post-16 students have now signed up to our TITAN (Together Improving Travel Abilities Now) programme; Sandwell’s structured, practical approach to helping learners develop the skills they need to travel safely and independently as well as other life skills to prepare for adulthood.
Even more exciting is that three students have begun their personalised travel training this half term and are already independently making their own way to school. Our trainers are already working with them on real-life journeys, from understanding routes and timetables to practising safe decision-making and problem-solving along the way.
We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by the students and the support of the staff team at Meadows. Building independence is a huge milestone, and we look forward to celebrating their progress over the coming weeks.
If you’d like to learn more about travel training or the TITAN programme, the ITTU is always happy to help.
One parent recently shared their experience:
“The Travel Trainer programme is an absolutely brilliant service and has helped my child become confident and independent. The Travel Trainer Presentation was wonderful …. and all the staff are so passionate and a credit. [The trainer] is brilliant and was amazing with my son and a credit to the team. As a parent of an SEN child, to see people who really care and want to help and support is so appreciated.”
ℹ️ Visit the council's website for more information.
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Marvel Youth Club: fun, friendship and support for young people with SEND
The Marvel Youth Club is a fantastic space for young people aged 11–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to enjoy fun activities, make friends, and build confidence. Sessions are held Mondays and Thursdays in Oldbury and Tipton.
Read more
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Are you new to the world of SEND - don't understand the jargon?
The SEND world is full of jargon and abbreviations, sometimes its like another language. Sandwell's Special Educational Needs and Disability Information and Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) has put together a useful jargon buster to help you navigate you way through all things SEND.
Did you know that Sandwell SEND IASS offers impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
The service is impartial, confidential and free.
Visit their website now
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