UK Department for Education approves SEND reform plans for local councils

The Department for Education has approved new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform plans for both Bath and North East Somerset and Shropshire Council.

In Bath and North East Somerset, the plan aims to improve service navigation and provide earlier support through co-design with families, schools, and health services. Key initiatives include strengthening SEND support in mainstream schools, developing inclusion bases, and launching a recruitment drive for educational psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists.

Shropshire Council’s reforms, scheduled for rollout between September 2026 and September 2030, focus on early identification and holistic, joined-up working between education, health, and care services. The council will also receive government funding to address 90% of its historic debts related to SEND support. The reforms aim to improve attendance, timely support, and preparation for adulthood while creating a more sustainable local system.