Government approves Peterborough SEND reform plan

Plans to improve provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Peterborough have moved a step closer after the government approved the council's proposals.

Peterborough City Council submitted its Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education earlier this year.

The council said approval meant it was eligible for a £9.8m grant.

As part of the three-year programme, council officers say they will improve mainstream inclusion and early intervention.

Ministers asked local authorities across England to draft new plans for their SEND provision in March.

Peterborough's plan was developed by professionals across education, health, social care and local government.

It drew on the experiences of young people with special educational needs, their families and schools, the council said.

In a letter, ministers Georgia Gould and Alison McGovern said the proposals were an "ambitious vision" that showed "a clear focus on ensuring children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, and as close to home as possible".

The Peterborough plan includes introducing so-called community clusters, which will bring "support around the child and family", rather than "requiring families to navigate multiple services".

Council officers also say education, health and care plans will be "increasingly" completed by locum educational psychologists.

Katy Cole, the council's Labour and Co-operative Party cabinet member for children's services, said: "As a local partnership, we will continue working together to turn the plan's ambitions into practical, lasting improvements and to monitor progress over the next three years."

The government grant could be paid at the end of November.

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