We are investing a further £1.7 million over three years to improve educational outcomes. Funding will support pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
The new money will help deliver a programme of work focused on education inclusion. This includes developing an early intervention and prevention ‘inclusion offer’ for mainstream schools.
Challenges such as an increase in SEND pupil numbers have affected outcomes for young people and families. The new programme will enable mainstream schools and settings to support pupils. It will help identify needs and ensure faster support for pupils.
The aims of the new programme are:
- increase take up of the inclusion strategy in schools across Essex
- continue to work with parents, carers, schools and settings on early intervention
- ensure there is a clear and comprehensive support offer for schools
- develop recommendations around future commercial viability and income generation
The programme supports our wider work to improve SEND services in Essex. This includes addressing the backlog of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNA).
The funding decision is subject to call in until 5pm on Monday 30 September.
