Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Training Assurance Framework for Health Professionals

The SEND code of practice describes how organisations should adhere to the Children and Families Act and led to a significant change in how organisations provide information or training, however no coordinated document has set out the expectations of health professionals within a competency framework.

It is important that all healthcare staff must have the competencies to understand the Children and Families Act, the SEND Code of Practice, the Local Offer, the graduated approach and the EHC needs assessment process to prepare our children and young people with SEND for adulthood and help improve their wellbeing and health outcomes.

The SEND training assurance framework tool, along with Level 1 and 2 SEND Basic Awareness e-learnings, were recently piloted by the Council for Disabled Children. This tool was developed by Sue Gibbons DCO for Kent and Medway on behalf of the SE19 DCO/DMO forum.

The competency framework identifies the competencies required and clearly defines the training requirements for all healthcare professionals and staff in different levels. Levels 1-3 relate to different occupational groups, while level 4 and 5 are related to specific roles. 

It will give an opportunity to improve childhood wellbeing through enhanced knowledge and understanding, support partnership working and strive for ambitious outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Level 1 and Level 2 SEND Basic Awareness e-learnings are identified as suggested methods of training for level 1 and 2 health professionals.

For any questions or further information please contact the SE Regional SEND Advisor: [email protected]