St Helens Council to discuss new strategy for SEND support

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Strategy 2024-27 will be discussed at a cabinet meeting next week, where councillors will decide whether to approve the plan.

The central theme, Visible, Valued, and Included, was formulated by the children, young people, parents, and carers involved in creating the document.

One participant said: "We dream of a St Helens that celebrates diversity, where every young person feels valued and proud of who they are.

"Our SEND Strategy should be a beacon of hope, showing that difference is not just accepted, but embraced."

The new strategy outlines five priorities for St Helens Borough Council and its partners: managing transition for life, developing a curriculum for success, building a community of support, meeting multiple and complex needs, and ensuring timely assessment and effective support.

These priorities aim to achieve four key outcomes that young people have requested: I am heard, I am safe and secure, I am healthy, and I am aspirational and successful.

The council and its partners will operate under three key principles: listening to children, young people, and families, strengthening communications, and building a great workforce.

Mark Palethorpe, executive director for people's services at St Helens Borough Council, said: "This strategy truly is a co-designed document thanks to extensive working with our SEN community and it has been a really engaging experience for all.

"We know that 20 per cent of children and young people in the borough have SEN and this strategy is how we hope we can meet the needs of children and young people who told us throughout this process that they want to see personalised services that meet individual needs, provides them safety, supports their mental wellbeing and ultimately empowers them and their families to reach their full potential."

The proposed strategy can be viewed on the council's website.