Purpose

Brighton & Hove’s Local SEND Reform Plan. Seeking formal corporate and political sign off ahead of the national submission deadline of 19 June 2026. The DfE has formally commissioned all local authorities to submit a system wide SEND Reform Plan, with explicit expectations for senior leadership accountability and approval.

Decision

1. The Leader agreed to Brighton & Hove’s Local SEND Reform Plan: Brighton & Hove improving support for children and young people with SEND from birth to age 25 (Annex A), as set out in Appendix 1.

1. The Leader agrees to the submission of the Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE) within the required national timeframe (19th June 2026).

1. The Leader delegates authority to the Corporate Director for Families, Children and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Children, Families & Youth to make final amendments required by the DfE prior to submission, provided these do not materially alter the strategic direction set out in the Plan.

Reasons for the decision

As set out in the report.

Alternative options considered

As set out in the report.