Bucks Council SEND improvements approved by government

The council's three-year plan focuses on making it easier for children and young people to get the support they need.

Developed with local schools, early years providers, health partners and parent carers, the Local SEND Reform Plan is said to set out how more help will become available at an earlier stage and includes a stronger focus on helping children attend their local school wherever possible.

The Council say after following Government approval of their plans, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Buckinghamshire will benefit from stronger local services and better help for families.

The Department for Education describing them as "a clear and coherent vision centred on inclusion, earlier intervention and improved outcomes."

The improvements will include:

• Making schools and early years settings more inclusive and better equipped to support children with SEND.
• Providing more support for children and families while they wait for assessments or diagnoses.
• Improving the experience of families who need help from SEND services.
• Strengthening specialist support for children with more complex needs

Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, said:

"Improving SEND services is one of our highest priorities. I do not want parents to feel they have to fight for the support their child needs.

"While this plan marks important progress, there is more to do. The council's focus is on making sure children get the right support earlier and closer to home, helping them achieve their potential and live healthy, independent lives.

"I am pleased the Department for Education has recognised the strength of the council's plans, giving us the opportunity to keep improving support for local families.

"Implementation is already beginning, with schools, partners and services working together. Families and schools can expect to see more changes introduced over the next two to three years as the programme is delivered."

Following approval, the council becomes eligible for a Government High Needs Stability Grant worth around £38.5 million. This will cover 90% of the historic high needs deficits on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) accrued during the 2025/26 financial year.  

The Government is also currently reviewing Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficits and local authority financial arrangements nationally. Buckinghamshire's grant funding follows approval of its locally developed improvement plan and is said to reflect the progress being made to strengthen SEND services for Buckinghamshire children and families.