The SEND and Alternative Provision (SENDAP) Change Programme is a national programme designed to test a number of policy changes to systems and processes for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those accessing Alternative Provision (AP).
For our region, the Change Programme Partnership consists of Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, NHS Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS), Herefordshire and Worcestershire Councils and Hereford and Worcestershire ICS, with Telford and Wrekin Council being the named lead local authority.
Update – November 2024
Education health and care plan (EHCP) testing templates completion
We are pleased to announce that the Shropshire SEN Team has successfully completed 80 of the new EHCP testing templates as required by the Department for Education (DfE). A heartfelt thank you to all parents, carers, children, and young people (CYP), and schools that supported this process. Your participation has been invaluable.
Feedback session with Julie Johnson
An invitation will be extended to all parents and carers involved in the EHCP testing to meet with Julie Johnson and Shropshire Parent Carer Council (PACC). This session will provide an opportunity to discuss your views and feedback, which will be communicated directly to the DfE.
Alternative provision taskforce implementation
Shropshire is now in the phase of implementing an alternative provision taskforce. This taskforce will examine the functionality of alternative provision across the county and collaborate with partner agencies to ensure that procedures are in place to support CYP and schools with appropriate resources and direction.
Quality assurance of alternative provisions
Significant work has been undertaken by the new Education Quality Advisors to identify strategies for quality assuring all alternative provisions across Shropshire. This initiative aims to support our CYP by ensuring that all external partners commissioned are meeting expectations and providing a service that aligns with Shropshire’s standards.
Embracing inclusive practice in Shropshire
The SENDAP Change Programme has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of inclusive practice within our educational community. As a result, Shropshire’s ordinarily available provision document has been meticulously crafted and presented to educational professionals across the county.
This document serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the strategies and resources that are ordinarily available within educational settings to support learners with SEND. The expectation is now clear: educational settings are being advised to implement the advised strategies to meet the diverse needs of their learners.
To ensure the successful adoption of these practices, ongoing support will be provided to educational settings. This support aims to equip schools and educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
The journey towards full inclusion is continuous, and the SENDAP Change Programme remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to foster an educational landscape that is inclusive and supportive for all.
ELSEC Update: September to October 2024 – Wave 1
ELSEC (Early Language Support for Every Child) launched in September to eight Shropshire schools and Nursery settings in Wave 1. We have screened full cohorts in nursery, reception and year 1 in these settings using the Talk Boost EY or KS1 tracker.
ELSEC launched to PVI feeder settings to these schools at the beginning of October and screening of the preschool will commence shortly. The team are currently busy upskilling targeted schools not familiar with using Talk Boost and will be jointly running intervention groups with settings after half term. The aim is that each setting involved in the project will become a communication friendly setting after the completion and implementation of the recommendations following a communication audit. These audits are currently underway across all settings. There is an ELSEC newsletter for Autumn 2024.
Thank you for your dedication, continued support and engagement with this important work and for your commitment to the learners of Shropshire. Together, we can make a difference and enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for all CYP in Shropshire.
Contact Information:
Julie Johnson, Shropshire SENDAP Senior Lead: Julie.johnson@shropshire.gov.uk
Shropshire PACC: Sarah Thomas: enquiries@paccshropshire.org.uk, Zara Bowden: enquiries@paccshropshire.org.uk
For feedback or questions about the Change Programme, please reach out.