The Sandwell SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy 2026-2029 sets out how the council and its partners will deliver earlier intervention, greater inclusion, improved communication with families and better preparation for adulthood, while ensuring services remain sustainable as demand continues to grow.

The strategy focuses on achieving four key outcomes:

• Families and young people will have more confidence in the SEND system because information will be clearer, their views will be listened to, and decisions will be made more consistently and fairly.
• Children and young people will get the help they need sooner, closer to where they live, and wherever possible in local schools and services that can support a wide range of needs.
• Money and resources will be used earlier and more effectively to provide the right support at the right time, improving outcomes for children and young people while making the best use of public funding.
• Staff across education, health and care services will have the skills, knowledge and confidence to provide high-quality support, with everyone working to the same best-practice standards.

The strategy builds on progress already made through Sandwell’s SEND Transformation Programme and follows the recent approval of the borough’s SEND Reform Plan by the Department for Education. The plan outlines how Sandwell will strengthen inclusion in mainstream schools, improve Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and ensure families receive more consistent support.

To support delivery, Sandwell has secured £3.3 million from the Department for Education to introduce its innovative Expert at Hand model, giving schools improved access to specialist professionals including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists and SEND specialists. The council has also invested an additional £900,000 to strengthen SEND services and improve communication with families and EHCP processes.

Further support is being introduced for younger children through Family Hubs, with dedicated Best Start in Life Inclusion Practitioners providing targeted support for children aged 0-5 with additional or emerging needs.

Councillor Matt Lloyd, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“This strategy is another important step forward in improving support for children and young people with SEND in Sandwell. We are focused on identifying needs earlier, strengthening support closer to home and improving the experience of children, young people and families. While we know there is still more to do, by working together with families, schools and partners we can continue to deliver the improvements that children and young people deserve.”

Councillor Jack Sabharwal, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

“At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to inclusion and ensuring that every child can access a high-quality education that meets their needs.

“We are working closely with schools to develop a consistent whole-school SEND and inclusion offer across Sandwell.”

The strategy will be delivered through a phased improvement programme between 2026 and 2029, supported by strong governance, performance monitoring and continued engagement with children, young people, families, schools and partners.