Somerset’s SEND Reform Plan has now been submitted to the Department for Education, marking an important step in improving support for children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The plan sets out a vision for a more inclusive and joined-up SEND system, with earlier identification of needs, better access to support, and more children and young people able to thrive in their local education settings.
A key part of the plan is the new Experts at Hand model, which aims to provide a more consistent approach to identifying needs early and supporting children and young people across early years, schools and colleges. The plan also includes expanded specialist support in mainstream schools, additional Specialist Inclusion Bases, and more internships and employment opportunities for young people.
The plan has been shaped through engagement with education settings, NHS Somerset, Somerset Parent Carer Forum, children and young people, and other partners. Feedback from families and professionals has helped inform the priorities and proposed improvements.
Alongside this work, Somerset continues to improve information and support available through the SEND Local Offer pages, SEND Strategy and our plans. Families can now access a clearer, step-by-step EHC plan pathway, information about phase transfers, current average waiting times and increased access to online forms. The EHCP Standards Group is also sharing updates on improvement work, including changes to medical advice and .
A decision from the Department for Education is expected in September 2026. If approved, the plan will unlock significant investment to support long-term improvements to SEND services and outcomes for children, young people and families.
