SEND and AP Change Programme
The SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Change Programme ended on 31 August 2026. This was 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) in the United Kingdom.
What did we do in Shropshire?
Over the course of the programme, we've been testing new ways of working, listening to feedback from children, young people, parent carers, schools, settings and partners, and learning what helps make support earlier, clearer and more joined up.
A number of projects were piloted as part of the SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme, including:
- ELSEC (Early Language Support for Every Child) – helping children develop speech, language and communication skills as early as possible
- PINS (Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools) – supporting schools to better understand and meet the needs of neurodivergent children and young people
- Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce – Outshine – providing early help and outreach support to schools for children who may be struggling, including those with social, emotional and mental health needs
Over the past two years, many children, families and practitioners have benefited from these programmes across Shropshire schools, early years settings and alternative provision.
What’s next?
The learning from the change programme has been reviewed both locally and nationally so that it can inform the next stage of SEND reforms. The evidence, feedback and practice developed through it will help shape future improvements for children and young people with SEND and those who need alternative provision.
Find out more
For more information on the national SEND reforms and what this means for the children, young people and families of Shropshire, please take a look at our National SEND Reforms 2026-2029 page.