SEND Strategy Update A revised strategy was developed

SEND Strategy Update • A revised strategy was developed and initial consultation in 2019/early 2020 • Work paused as a result of the pandemic • A new Director of Children’s Services and Deputy Director for Education took up posts in Summer 2020 • This significant change in strategic leadership resulted in a renewed focus and energy and review the draft SEND Strategy in order to ensure that it appropriately reflects the strategic priorities, the needs within the county for 2021 -26 and an education system post COVID • Important to recognise financial/resource pressures and implications

We require: • A SEND Strategy with a clear vision, listing the major changes required over the next three years to bring about improved services for CYP with SEND in Oxfordshire and meeting the needs of families, children and young people. The key priorities are: • Multi-agency SEND assessment and planning from 0 -25 years to enabling identification children at the earliest opportunity to meet the full range of need and raise achievement • Sufficient and appropriate range of quality 0 -25 mainstream and specialist provision to improve outcomes from early years to adulthood • A clear and equitable approach to SEND funding to ensure sustainability and make the most effective use of available resources and maximise the impact on outcomes for children and young people

Progress to date • A Joint Strategic Needs Analysis has been completed and will inform the SEND Strategy • A Workshop with key partners was held in early January 2021 focusing on tangible ways to collectively influence the changes needed to transform SEND in Oxfordshire

Next Steps • Further engagement with key partners to ensure their views are captured • A finalised Strategy prepared and signed off by Cabinet by end March 2021 for broader consultation