Next steps for SEND policy - SEND reforms, funding, local area inspections and best practice in provision

With local authorities required to transition to reforms outlined in the SEND Code of Practice by April 2018, delegates will assess the impact of the introduction of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans and the Local Offer, in addition to highlighting best practice in the provision of SEND services following the implementation of reforms.

Following the closing in March of stage 2 consultations on the High Needs and Schools National Funding Formulas, delegates will address concerns around the resources and capacity for wide-ranging implementation, in addition to the implications for special education units in mainstream schools and post-16 SEND provision.

The agenda also includes discussion on how SEND training can best be incorporated into Initial Teacher Training (ITT) with it set to become a compulsory element of ITT courses from September 2018 following recommendations made in A framework of core content for initial teacher training.

Further sessions will assess the progress of the joint Ofsted-Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections for SEND services introduced in May 2016 and consider how best to utilise the extra £215 million of government funding to support local authorities to create new places and improve facilities at existing schools.