Purpose

To consider the report of Cabinet Member for Children and Learning detailing an update on Southampton’s SEND Reform Programme, including progress in implementing the Local SEND Reform Plan and developing Southampton 360° Support, the city’s local Experts at Hand model.

Decision

(i)  To acknowledge the progress made in delivering Southampton's SEND Reform Programme, including the development and implementation of Southampton 360° Support (the local Experts at Hand model), and the planned next steps for delivery during 2026/27.

(ii)  To provide comments and feedback on the delivery of SEND reform and Southampton 360° Support to inform future implementation and development of the programme.

(iii)  To accept the financial and workforce risks associated with the three-year Experts at Hand grant funding period, including the need to manage any future reduction or cessation of grant funding within the available service budget, and the proposed mitigations set out in this report.

Reasons for the decision

This report provides Members with an update on the delivery of Southampton's SEND Reform Programme, including progress in developing and implementing Southampton 360° Support, the city's local Experts at Hand model.

The programme supports earlier intervention, strengthens inclusion within mainstream settings, and improves access to specialist support for children and young people with SEND, in line with local and national SEND reform priorities.

The work contributes to the Council's priorities by improving outcomes for children and young people, supporting health and wellbeing, strengthening partnership working, and promoting the effective use of public resources through earlier, more sustainable support.

Alternative options considered

Not providing a scrutiny update on SEND Reform and Southampton 360° Support was considered and rejected. Regular reporting enables transparency, accountability and member oversight of a significant programme of change for children and young people with SEND.

Delaying the update until the Department for Education has confirmed the outcome of Southampton's Local SEND Reform Plan submission was considered and rejected. Providing an update at this stage allows Members to understand progress to date, including the development of Southampton 360° Support and preparations for implementation ahead of the Department's decision. The plan was submitted on 19 June 2026 following SEND partnership board development and co-production across the local area.