Please disseminate this newsletter to parent carers, professionals and those who are interested in reading more. Haven't received a copy or know someone who hasn't? Email sarah.dimmock@westsussex.gov.uk.

Improving Services for Children with SEN&D and their Families

Transfer of Statements to EHCPs – progress report

West Sussex has completed 94.3% of its transfers of Statements to EHCPs. This updated position was recently submitted to the DfE in line with the recording and monitoring processes in place.

The SEN Assessment Team continues to work with families to issue Final EHCPs as soon as possible and to issue drafts where these are still required. 

The SEN Assessment Team would like to reassure all families without a final EHCP that until their final EHCP is issued, the provision and placement recorded within their Statement of SEN remains in place and the provision and placement will not be at risk. 

The Special Educational Needs Assessment Team (SENAT) acknowledges it has not met the statutory timeframe set by the DfE for this task. However, it has worked hard to achieve the outcome recorded here and intends to continue with this strong approach throughout April and May to enable them to complete the task for as many families as possible by the end of May 2018.

Weekend Away! The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award team also hosted 26 young people at a recent weekend training event in Horsham Youth Centre on 24 and 25 March 2018.  The training session saw young parents, SEND, disadvantaged and CLA young people who are working with IPEH to receive instruction in all the skills they’ll need for their upcoming Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition in April. Young people said they felt “encouraged”, “confident” and “proud” as a result of the weekend led by the DofE Award team and IPEH staff from across the service.  If you are working with a young person who would benefit from joining the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, contact Toby Wilson for more information.

For more information phone Louisa Hernandez on 01903 277000, email louisa.hernandez@coastalwestsussexmind.org or visit their website.

Good News! A Young Person from Orchard House has won an award as WSCC Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) pupil of the year.  Since coming to live at Orchard House, this young person has made great progress in all areas including improvements in his school attendance and educational achievements. Well done!

Some of the services listed in this newsletter or on the Local Offer site are provided by private service providers and not by West Sussex County Council. These do not have a recommendation or endorsement from the local authority. If you decide to use a service / provision, you should be aware that you are responsible for doing your own checks to ensure they are suitable and fit for purpose. West Sussex County Council will not be liable for any damages or losses suffered by anyone who relies on the information in this newsletter.