 ...to the autumn edition of the Stoke-on-Trent Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Professionals' Newsletter.
Welcome back to a new academic year!
The SENDCo Hub
If you haven’t yet explored the SENDCo, now is the perfect time. Developed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the Hub is a comprehensive online platform designed to support professionals working with children and young people with SEND - whether you're a SENDCo, teacher, support staff, or part of wider services.
The Hub is built around the Graduated Approach, offering structured, practical guidance across five key areas of need: cognition and learning, communication and interaction, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), physical and sensory, and health and social care. It’s suitable for use across early years, school-age, and post-16 settings.
Here’s what you’ll find:
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Quality resources: Downloadable templates, planning tools, and evidence-based strategies to support inclusive practice.
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Professional development: The SENCO Learning Academy offers a wide range of training—both online and in-person—covering topics like person-centred planning and working with parent carers.
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Collaboration and leadership tools: Resources to support joined-up working and strengthen SEND provision across settings.
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Stay informed: Regular updates, events, and best practices curated specifically for SEND professionals.
Whether you're new to your role or have years of experience, the Hub is a valuable tool to enhance your practice.
Important Updates
This edition also brings important updates: including the launch of the SEND Cluster Model, which enables schools to collaborate and access devolved funding to better support pupils with SEND
Stoke-on-Trent is also piloting the use of Artificial Intelligence to streamline EHCP processes - freeing up caseworkers to spend more time working with families. And we’re inviting professionals to help amplify the voices of young people with SEND through themed consultations and the Young Commissioners Programme.
Looking ahead, SEND Inclusion Week (1–5 December) promises a celebration of inclusive practice, with activities, competitions, and resources for all settings. Don’t forget to complete the survey to help shape the week!
Reminder - EHCP duties
As always, key reminders around EHCP statutory duties and transition planning are included to support your work. Thank you for your continued dedication to children and young people with SEND.
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