Introduction
We want our Local Offer to give clear, complete, easy-to-use and up-to-date information about the support available and how to access it.
The way we refresh, upload and remove content on the Somerset Local Offer website is set out in the SEND Local Offer Editorial Policy and Process. This policy was co-produced with the Somerset Parent Carer Forum and the SEND Participation and Engagement Team to make sure it reflects the needs of families and embeds their views.
Overseeing the Local Offer
- The Weekly Local Offer Update Group reviews and actions simple or operational updates. It also shares views from parent carers, highlights gaps, flags difficulties with navigation, and picks up repeat queries and general feedback. A representative from Somerset Parent Carer Forum (SPCF) is involved.
- Task and Finish Groups quality‑assure and co‑produce the Local Offer. They reflect users’ views and promote shared ownership. They review topic‑based audits, identify gaps and develop new content. They oversee substantial strategic changes or service redesign. Each group includes a parent carer representative and a young person’s representative.
- The SEND Partnership Board develops and monitors the strategy for SEND services in Somerset. For the Local Offer, the board’s role is to challenge service areas and actively promote the Local Offer.
Reviewing quality
- Content – SPCF checks the quality of website content once a year and makes improvements through the editorial process.
- Schools – SPCF checks school websites twice a year and creates an action plan for schools to fix any issues.
- Accessibility – Somerset Council’s Digital Service tests and monitors website accessibility on a regular basis.
Using feedback
We meet regularly with the Support Group Forum, SEND Navigators and SENDIAS to hear parent carer views and make sure they help shape the Local Offer.
At the bottom of every page, you’ll find a link called Is this page useful?. This lets anyone tell us anonymously if there’s a problem with the information or the website. If something isn’t clear, up to date, correct, or working, let us know how we can improve it.
You can see a summary of key messages and our actions from general website feedback on the Local Offer Feedback page.
Our Local Offer Annual Report also shares statistics on usage, key messages from feedback, and our actions and plans for the next year.
If your feedback is about improving a service rather than a page, there are lots of ways to do this. Find out more on the on Somerset’s SEND Engagement and Participation Strategy.
Updating your pages
Updating SEND Provider Records
Providers wanting to add or update their SEND service or provider records will need to complete a database update form selecting ‘Somerset’s SEND Local Offer record’ as the type. This form link can also be found at the bottom of your SEND service page where it says ‘Update Record’.
Updating School or College Records
Schools and colleges wanting to add or update their provider records will need to complete a database update form selecting ‘School/College’ as the type. This form link can also be found at the bottom of your school page where it says ‘Update Record’.
Updating Events
Partners and providers can add an event to our SEND Events Calendar by using the below form.
After you submit a form it will be checked by Digital Service to ensure people will have access to all the information they need before publishing. The event will automatically disappear from the list when it expires.