 Welcome to the latest edition of the Wolverhampton SEND Partnership Board Newsletter.
The SEND Partnership Board is where senior representatives of key city partner organisations meet to provide strategic direction to improve the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs / Disabilities and champion their wish to live an ‘ordinary life’.
We are determined that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton live in an inclusive city where we work together to support them and their families to lead a good quality ‘ordinary life’ and achieve their full potential. We believe that by working together with families and communities we will achieve this.
Introduction to Councillor Christopher Burden
We are pleased to welcome Councillor Christopher Burden, Lead Member for Education, Skills and Work, as a member of SEND Partnership Board.
Councillor Burden has trained and worked as a teacher in schools across the Black Country and is a strong believer in education and providing a better future for our young people.
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 We are currently implementing a number of steps contained within a Written Statement of Action which was developed following the 'Local Area Review' of SEND services by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission last autumn.
The review highlighted a number of areas of good practice, as well as areas which require further development. The Written Statement of Action details the steps that either have been, or are being, taken by partners to further improve SEND services in the city.
A review meeting with the Department for Education earlier this summer concluded that Wolverhampton SEND Partnership Board is taking "full responsibility and oversight" for the Written Statement of Action, and its recent monitoring visit "evidenced a well organised and coherent improvement programme underpinned by a strong focus on co-production and outcomes for children and young people with SEND". For more information visit SEND service improvement programme well underway | City Of Wolverhampton Council
Launch of the Graduated Approach
We are delighted to announce the launch of Wolverhampton’s new Graduated Approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | City Of Wolverhampton Council. The guidance document has been co-produced by over 80 people representing education (including school staff and specialist services), health and social care. We are grateful to everyone who has committed the time to develop this resource.
The information and documents have been specifically developed to help special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs), and school staff to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. However, the guidance may also be useful to early years practitioners, home-based childcarers, play workers, specialist services across education, health and care, and also families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The new guidance document has been launched to Wolverhampton schools in September 2022 and further communication and support will be shared with partner services across education, health and social care over the next few months. It is important that all support services have a good understanding of the guidance and reinforce it through their delivery of services to children, young people and schools.
A guide for young people and parents/carers' is currently in development. If you are a parent/carer who would like to be involved in the development of this guide then please contact Emma.Thornbery@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
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Revised EHCP Annual Review Pathway
The annual review pathway process has been revised for schools to follow in respect of their procedures and practice relating to the annual review of EHCPs. The pathway process is as outlined in the 0-25 years SEND Code of Practice (2015) and SEND Regulations (2014). Accompanying the guidance for educational settings is a revised annual review form for schools to complete, alongside views forms for children, young people and their families to complete alongside the paperwork. Training has been provided on the revised framework to schools SENCOs and leaders involved in annual reviews. The key principles are:
- a person-centred process with children, young people and families at the heart of the process
- Centred on progress and outcomes with consideration of provision needed to ensure outcomes are met and progress is made
- Enabling a quality EHCP amendment to be made, where required through coproduction with health and social care professionals
- Year long process
For more information about the EHC Assessment and Review process visit the Local Offer EHCP Page.
Wolverhampton Information Advice and Support Service is hosting an online session for parents and carers on Thursday 13 October 10:00 -11:00am on the EHCP Annual Review process. You can book a place via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ehcp-annual-review-the-process-and-outcomes-tickets-403416548757.
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SEND Training
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Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service provide a range of termly online events to help parents, carers, young people and professionals develop their knowledge and understanding of the law relating to special educational needs and disability.
To view available training click here
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Outreach Parent Workshops
Wolverhampton Outreach Service offer a range of workshops that are open to parent carers whose children have a diagnosis of autism and those currently undergoing assessment.
To find out more or to book tickets visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/outreach
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For information about ‘what’s on’, information / awareness raising sessions, activities and local support please see news from the following trusted sources:
Wolverhampton Local Offer
WIASS E-Bulletins
Voice 4 Parents September Newsletter
Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action
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