Ambitious plan to improve support for Barnsley’s children and young people with SEND is set out

Our Cabinet members will consider a major new SEND Reform Plan at their next meeting on Wednesday, 17 June.

The plan responds to the Government’s national SEND reform agenda, which is driving changes across England to deliver earlier help, more consistent support, and greater inclusion in mainstream education. It will be submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) by 19 June.

If approved by the DfE, Barnsley’s plan will increase local support. This includes expanding inclusion support in mainstream schools, increasing local specialist places and improving early years support through Family Hubs and education settings. It also includes better support after age 16 and investment to help mainstream schools and colleges meet a wider range of needs. This will mean more children and young people can be supported close to home, reducing the need for out-of-area placements.

At the heart of the reforms is a clear ambition: to ensure every child and young person with SEND in Barnsley can access the right support at the right time and achieve their full potential.

The plan includes a range of practical improvements designed to enhance experiences for families. These include increasing support in mainstream schools so more children can be educated in their local communities, improving access to specialist advice through a new Experts at Hand approach, and strengthening how education, health and care services work together.

It also aims to make the system easier to understand and access, and provide clearer, more consistent pathways to support.

The proposals build on engagement with children and young people, parents, carers and professionals, ensuring that local voices have shaped both the approach and priorities.

This is a long-term programme of change to be delivered over the next three years, with a strong focus on improving outcomes, increasing inclusion, and creating a more sustainable system for the future.

Importantly, the plan is also linked to national funding. Government approval of the plan will enable Barnsley to access government support to help manage rising demand and invest in improved SEND services. This could see Barnsley receive around £15.6 million to help address current financial pressures and invest in long-term improvements to the SEND system.

The council will also invest £1.86 million in 2026/27 through the “Experts at Hand” programme, helping to strengthen early support and provide greater access to specialist advice.

Cllr Vicky Jackson, Cabinet Support Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that for many families, getting the right support at the right time can make all the difference.

“This plan sets out how we’ll work together with our partners to strengthen early help, improve inclusion, and make sure children and young people with SEND in Barnsley have every opportunity to achieve and thrive.

“Importantly, it builds on the strong foundations we already have in Barnsley, and our shared ambition to create a system that works better for families, now and in the future.”

Barnsley Council will continue to work closely with children, young people, families and partners to shape and deliver the reforms. Earlier this year, the borough achieved the highest possible outcome in its Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) SEND inspection, recognising strong partnership working across services.

The Cabinet report and all associated appendices can be found on our website.