Local SEND Reform Plan submission moves to next stage

01 May 2026

North Northamptonshire Council is set to take another step forward in strengthening support and improving outcomes for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as part of the government’s national reform programme.

At a meeting on Tuesday 12 May, the council’s Executive will consider a report to delegate authority to the Director of Children’s Services to finalise the Local SEND Reform Plan on behalf of the council, ready for submission to the Department for Education (DfE) by the national deadline in June. 

The Local SEND Reform Plan sets out how North Northamptonshire Council, working with education, health, care and parent/carer partners across the Local Area SEND Partnership, will deliver sustained, system‑wide improvements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities over the next three years. The plan responds directly to national expectations set out in the Government’s SEND reform agenda and reflects the significant pressures currently facing local SEND systems across the country. The plan is currently being developed through a partnership‑led and co‑produced approach, with engagement across education, health, care, families and the voluntary sector.

Due to tight national timescales and the DfE’s ongoing review and assurance process, the report recommends delegating authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Executive Member for Children, Education and Families, to finalise and submit the plan and associated documentation by the national deadline of 19 June 2026. This approach will enable the council to respond swiftly to DfE feedback while ensuring local priorities and statutory responsibilities are met.

The plan is a key requirement of the Government’s SEND reform programme, following the publication of the Schools White Paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving. It places a stronger emphasis on inclusive practice, earlier intervention, joint working across services, and improved long‑term outcomes for children and young people with SEND while recognising the need to stabilise the system during a period of national reform and rising demand

Approval of a Local SEND Reform Plan will also make North Northamptonshire eligible for a High Needs Stability Grant, covering 90 per cent of the council’s historic High Needs‑related Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit up to 31 March 2026, alongside access to additional targeted funding to support SEND transformation and inclusive provision.

This plan is about improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families, within the context of significant national reform and financial challenge. It reflects extensive partnership working and genuine co‑production, drawing on the lived experience of families and the expertise of professionals across education, health and care. Delegating authority to finalise and submit the plan will ensure we can respond constructively to DfE feedback, meet required deadlines and secure vital funding to stabilise the system and support sustainable SEND improvement locally.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families

The development of the Local SEND Reform Plan has been led by North Northamptonshire Council on behalf of the Local Area Partnership and has involved schools, early years providers, Multi‑Academy Trusts, SENCOs, health partners, the voluntary sector and parent/carer representatives, including Northamptonshire Parent Carer Voices with all learning and evidence from previous engagement and co‑production activity formally incorporated into this work

The plan covers five core areas:

• A shared vision and goals aligned to national reform
• A three‑year strategy and delivery roadmap
• Clear monitoring and evaluation arrangements
• Robust governance and accountability
• Practical support required from central government

If approved, officers will continue to work with partners to refine the plan, respond to DfE feedback, and submit the completed Local SEND Reform Plan within the national timescales.