The government has recently transformed the system for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), including those who are disabled, so that services consistently support the best outcomes for them.

 

This has extended the SEN system from birth to 25, giving children, young people and their parents greater control and choice in decisions and ensuring needs are properly met. It takes forward the reform programme set out in 'Support and aspiration: a new approach to special education needs and disability - progress and next steps' by:

 

• Replacing old statements with a new birth- to-25 education, health and care plan

 

• Personal budgets will be available in order to deliver the outcomes set out in a plan. Parents / carers will have a greater involvement in all decision making in order to choose the right provision to best meet the outcomes identified in the child or young person’s plan.

 

• improving cooperation between all the services that support children and their families, particularly requiring local authorities and health authorities to work together.