Agenda item

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, working with NHS Dorset and wider local area partners, submitted its Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education in June 2026.

The Plan sets out a three-year roadmap to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, strengthen inclusive mainstream provision, improve family confidence and support the long-term sustainability of the High Needs Block.

The Plan is underpinned by co-production with children, young people, parents, carers and practitioners, a local partnership maturity assessment, an Inclusive Place Sufficiency Strategy, an Experts at Hand partnership model and a clear Theory of Change.

It responds to increasing demand, including sustained growth in Education, Health and Care Plans, whilst building on BCP's strengths and improving partnership arrangements. A key component of delivery is the introduction of a Targeted Cluster Funding Model, funded through £1.5m per annum from the High Needs Block, to support earlier intervention, inclusion and prevention activity.

The Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the proposed approach at their meeting on 14 September 2026.