Introduction
Schools and colleges must share certain information on their website. This is part of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) code of practice:
SEND information report
This report explains what the school do and provide for children and young people with SEND. It should be written with children, young people and their parents or carers. Updated every year. (See section 6.79, page 106)
SEND policy
This policy shows how the school plans and delivers SEND support. Children, young people and their parents or carers should help shape it. Updated at least every 3 years. (See section 6.81, page 107)
Accessibility plan
This plan explains how the school site is accessible. For example, ramps, lifts, hoists, accessible toilets and height-adjustable desks. It should also show how you will improve access over time. (See section 6.2, page 92)
Local Offer link
Including a link to Somerset’s SEND Local Offer or the right age-specific navigation page for the setting. (See section 6.81, page 107)
School website compliance audit
Twice a year, Somerset Parent Carer Forum checks school websites. They make sure schools meet SEND Code of Practice rules. They then create an action plan for schools to improve information.
Common problems include:
- Broken or hidden Local Offer links
- Documents not signed or dated
- Out-of-date documents
- No evidence of working with parents and young people
- Wrong contact details for Somerset SENDIAS (still called Parent Partnership)
- Documents not in PDF or hard to read
- Confusion between the SEND Information Report and the report to governors
You can see progress and the action plan in the report below:
Updating records
To add or update your record, complete the update form. Choose ‘School/College’ as the type. You can also find this link at the bottom of your Local Offer record where it says ‘Update Record’.
Sample text
We’ve written sample text you can use on your website or in documents.
Sample text for Somerset’s SEND Local Offer:
Link to the right age page for your setting:
- www.somerset.gov.uk/the-local-offer/early-years-0-to-5-years/
- www.somerset.gov.uk/the-local-offer/primary-school-5-to-11-years/
- www.somerset.gov.uk/the-local-offer/secondary-school-11-to-16-years/
- www.somerset.gov.uk/the-local-offer/young-people-16-and-over/
You can also use the banner below to signpost people.
Don’t forget, families need clear information about SEND support at every point of contact – not just on your website. Use the free resources available to make this easy.
These resources help you signpost families in different ways:
- Reception screens – ready-made displays to share key messages
- Posters and booklets – simple visuals for noticeboards and classrooms
- Colouring sheets – fun activities that also guide families to the Local Offer
Adding these to your school environment means families see the information when they visit, not just online. It shows you’re committed to making SEND support visible and accessible.
Sample text for SEN Information Report and reference to the Somerset Graduated Response Tool:
You can also find templates on the Support Services for Education website.
If you have problems updating your Local Offer record, email localoffer@somerset.gov.uk.