Thousands of North and West Yorkshire children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are set to benefit from an updated strategy enabling them to be safe, happy, healthy and to achieve their goals.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with children and young people, their families and education settings, as well as Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and West Yorkshire ICB.
This new Local Area Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) strategy sets out to improve outcomes for children and young people and their families.
It aims to improve the lived experiences of children and young people with SEND across the county by identifying needs early, providing timely and effective support and ensuring children and young people are prepared for adulthood.
Statistics show that around 10,000 North Yorkshire pupils aged up to 25 years receive SEN support, while more than 4,500 children and young people in addition have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, said: “Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
“This new strategy will be delivered in real partnership between the health service, the council and parent-carers to ensure that every child and young person in North Yorkshire has access to the right support to develop their independence and to become confident adults leading fulfilling lives.
“Our ambition is that children and young people with SEND have the correct support to achieve their aspirations and the best opportunities to achieve their goals.
“Helping children and young people to achieve good outcomes in education, health, employment, relationships and participation in social activities is central to this vision.”
The new local area SEND strategy focuses on five key priorities, which are:
- · Identifying the needs of children and young people early.
- · Working together – improving communication, co-production and engagement.
- · Improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
- · Preparing young people for adulthood.
- · Achieving best value.
Young people, families, schools and professionals from services in areas such as education, social care and health took part in a consultation process to develop the new strategy, which has included work with children and young people to identify what is important to them.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board’s place director for North Yorkshire, Wendy Balmain, said: “We have worked with parents, carers, professionals and young people to identify what is important to them, what is working well and what our priorities need to be to ensure this strategy will provide an effective way forward.
"Some of our key areas of focus will be children and young people with autism and those with social, emotional and mental health needs.
"It is important that we continue to listen to and act on the lived experiences of children and young people and find out how best we can support these individuals to help them achieve their ambitions."
Meanwhile, Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership Board, a committee of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, has also contributed to the new Local Area Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) strategy.
Christina Holloway, from the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “We remain committed to working with partners to ensure we can continue to listen to the voice of children and families so that services are as responsive as possible to their needs.”
The new and improved SEND strategy will run from July 2023 to July 2026.
Skipton event planned for private landlords
World-class tennis returns with Ilkley Trophy
Exploring Ilkley Moor: Free guided walks and educational events
Young BGT magician includes Ilkley in tour
Ilkley's newly elected Deputy and Town Mayor
Company behind Skipton food and drink festival ceases trading
Residents spring into action for a fairer deal for Ilkley District
District's first average speed cameras installed on A650
Group that helps people connect with nature to get new home in park building
What are the top priorities for Ilkley? Share your thoughts in the community consultation
Nick Hancock returns to breakfast radio in Skipton and Ilkley
Silsden store supports local NHS Charity at fashion show fundraiser
Leading environmentalist tells Ilkley to get real about climate crisis
Local Pride groups receive new patron
Outside the Box hosts ‘Thank You’ EP launch
Silsden quarry blocked after Planning Inspector rejects appeal
Friends of Ilkley Railway Station share results of public consultation
Grade II listed structure at Keighley station needs urgent repairs
The Hive to host Silsden community fun day
18 local businesses compete in 5-a-side event
