Bexley’s new Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) & Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Strategy for 2024 to 2028 launched earlier this month (1 August).
The SEND & PfA Strategy 2024 to 2028 outlines our commitment to working closely with children and young people with SEND, along with their families, to build the future they deserve. The strategy brings together support from health, social care and education, along with all partners across the Local Area who collectively support our children and young people with SEND.
The strategy sets out three key ambitions to focus on over the next four years.
The three key ambitions are:
- Children and young people with SEND have access to the right support at the right time and in the right place
- Children and young people with SEND have opportunities to live a fulfilled adulthood
- Bexley, as a Local Area, works together to use available resources in the most creative and inclusive way, to meet the individual needs of our children and young people with SEND
The strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with children, young people and their families and involves all partners in Bexley responsible for commissioning and providing services for SEND. It encompasses all children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25, including those with SEN Support or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and those aged 18 to 25 with eligible health, care and support needs under the Care Act 2014.
Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Caroline Newton said:
This strategy represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child and young person with SEND in Bexley is given the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We have listened to the voices of our community and are dedicated to implementing these plans to create a more inclusive and supportive environment."
Director of Children's Services, Stephen Kitchman said:
We are proud to present a strategy that reflects our dedication to providing comprehensive support for children and young people with SEND. This launch marks a significant step in our journey to create a system that prioritises their needs and aspirations, ensuring they are well-prepared for adulthood. Our focus will remain on collaborative efforts to deliver meaningful and impactful change."
Bexley Place Executive Lead for NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, Diana Braithwaite said:
We welcome the publication of this strategy, which will ensure that children and young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities in Bexley receive – the right care and appropriate support to enable them to have the best start in life.”
With the strategy now live, the next steps involve detailed planning and implementation phases, with ongoing engagement from all stakeholders to ensure its success.
Read the full SEND & Preparing for Adulthood Strategy 2024 to 2028