Special Educational Needs and Disabilities updates and news
This page has updates for parents, carers and families of any news, updates, consultations and events that are happening locally.
Last updated: 29 April 2024
Local Area Joint SEND Inspection Announcement
Southampton City Council and their partners will be inspected by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to see how well they work together to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Inspectors from Ofsted and CQC will visit the local area and will talk to providers of services and the Parent Carer Forum. The main way that the Inspectors will talk to parents and carers and children is by a questionnaire which they will send out before they visit. In a small number of cases they may also talk directly to families.
When will it happen?
- Friday 26 April to Friday 10 May 2024 (off-site)
- Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May 2024 (in Southampton)
Find out more and complete the survey
The inspections are carried out in line with the area SEND inspection framework and handbook.
You can also view an easy-read guide to local area SEND inspections.
If you are a parent/carer, young person or a professional, and you wish to share your views, you can complete the survey.
Neurodevelopmental (ND) Pathway Resource Portal
Solent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Pathway have put forward a bid to the Q exchange at The Health Foundation to develop a ND pathway portal. To create a 'one stop' online resource for families waiting for ND assessment and treatment and providing psychoeducation, pathway information and advice and links to services available to provide support at each step. They would welcome your views and comments on their project. The deadline for any feedback is 20 March 2024.
School Travel Service update
View the latest update regarding the School Travel Service.
How to improve your child's school attendance and where to get support
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to send your child into school if they are feeling unwell or anxious, but finding solutions is a team effort between schools, parents and children, and there is support and information available to help you make the best decision for your child.
Read more about the campaign and find support and guidance at Education Hub.
Department for Education - Free School Transport explained
On Friday 3 November, the Department for Education published a blog post on free school travel, aimed at parents: Free school transport explained: From who’s eligible to how it works - The Education Hub. The post was created in response to local authorities’ feedback that they often find it challenging to manage parents’ expectations. It aims to support parents’ understanding of the eligibility criteria and to answer some commonly occurring questions. You can read the blog post here.
