Review of the special educational needs and inclusion strategy for Nottinghamshire

The County Council has a statutory duty to keep under review its arrangements for special educational needs (SEN) provision. Nottinghamshire’s current SEN and inclusion strategy was approved by the County Council in July 2003 and now needs to be reviewed and updated in line with our statutory requirements.  

The review of our SEN and inclusion strategy (known as the ‘SEN review’) began in October 2007. It takes as its context the County Council’s statutory duties and key strategic documents, such as 'Removing Barriers to Achievement', the government’s 10 year strategy for SEN and Every Child Matters. It will also look at the barriers to achievement for children and young people with special educational needs, disabilities and complex medical needs.

Supervision of the review is being carried out by a Board, chaired by the acting service director for inclusion and engagement, Dr Rob Skelton. The Board involves stakeholders and partners such as head teachers, local authority support service managers, school governing bodies and health service representation. Copies of the minutes of all Board meetings are available:

SEN Review Board minutes 14 November 2007

SEN Review Board minutes 12 December 2007

Much of the review’s work will be delivered by four sub-groups which will focus on issues relating to Behaviour, Resources, Support Services and Inclusive Standards. Consultation will be carried out with our partners and stakeholders through a range of focus groups, district focussed meetings and the internet. These key stakeholders include the Nottinghamshire Association of Governors, relevant trade unions, children and young people, and parents and carers of service users.

In order to consult with parents and carers the review is holding a series of Parent and Carer forums. If you are the parent or carer of a young person with SEN in the county find out how to get involved.

Stage one SEN Review consultation events

In April 2008 the SEN Review held seven district consultation events in order to consult with stakeholders about the ‘direction of travel’ of the Review. Acting Head of SEN Strategic services, Chris Harrison, and SEN Review Project Manager, Pat Bullen, gave a presentation to delegates regarding the processes and findings of stage one of the Review.

Delegates were also asked to consider the eight Key Messages identified by the SEN Review as the areas of focus to take forward.

Throughout stage one of the Review, the views of Children and Young People in Nottinghamshire have been surveyed. A copy of the summary sheet of these views provided in the delegate pack for the consultation events is available to download.

We are hoping the review will be completed by the Autumn of 2008. If you require any further information or would like to join our electronic mailing list in order to receive regular updates regarding the review please contact senreview@nottscc.gov.uk