Purpose

For approval for Cabinet

Decision

It is RESOLVED that Cabinet deferred the decision to:

(a)               note the BCP Local SEND Reform Plan and supporting appendices submitted to the Department for Education in June 2026;

(b)              endorse the strategic direction set out within the Plan, including: i. strengthening inclusive mainstream provision; ii. implementation of the Experts at Hand model; 143 Agenda Item 8 iii. delivery of the Inclusive Place Sufficiency Strategy and associated capital programme; and iv. continued development of co-production and partnership working; and

(c)               approve the continued delivery of the SEND Reform Plan and its associated investment priorities as part of BCP's wider programme to improve outcomes for children and young people and support long-term High Needs Block sustainability.

to future meetings of the Cabinet and Council pending the awaited decision from the Department for Education on the submitted reform plan.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(d)               Supports the implementation of the Targeted Cluster Funding Model, including the proposed allocation of £1.5m per annum from the High Needs Block to support earlier intervention, inclusion and prevention activity across locality clusters.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Young People

Reason

The SEND Reform Plan provides a coherent three-year roadmap to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND through earlier intervention, stronger inclusion, improved partnership working and increased local capacity. The recommendations support implementation of the Plan and the key delivery mechanisms required to achieve its objectives, whilst responding to increasing demand and financial pressures within the SEND system.