A summary of what the SEND and AP Improvement Plan is, its history and what it wants to achieve.
What is it?
The Department for Education (DfE) published the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, further to the SEND and Alternative Provision Green Paper published in March 2022. The Green Paper set out the government’s proposals to improve outcomes for children and young people; improve experiences for families, by seeking to reduce the current adversity and frustration in the system; and deliver financial sustainability. It also considered the specific issues facing the alternative provision sector.
A consultation phase took place between March and July 2022 which gave an opportunity for stakeholders to review and reflect on the proposals, giving families frustrated by the existing, complicated and bureaucratic system of support the opportunity to shape how a new system would work in the future.
The Improvement Plan follows extensive engagement with around 6,000 consultation responses and 175 events, ensuring the new reforms take into account the views of children, young people, parents and carers. The DfE acknowledge the complexities and challenges experienced by families.
The government recognise, that to deliver for children, young people and their families, a stronger emphasis is needed on improving the underpinning drivers that will make a national system a reality: a clearer workforce plan; strengthened accountabilities; and sustainable and fair resourcing. The Improvement Plan sets out their roadmap for implementing a single, national system and achieving real change in practice so every child and young person can thrive.
Read the SEND and Alternative Improvement Plan here