Decision

1. that the SEND Reform Plan set out at Appendix 3 be approved and delegated authority be given to the Director of Children’s Services to implement the Plan, including the high needs stability grant, once approval for the Plan is gained from the Department for Education;
2. that the requirements and expectations of the Local Area SEND Reform Plan guidance be noted;
3. that the development of a Local SEND Reform Plan in line with national guidance and system partnership expectations be endorsed;
4. that the submission of the Local SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England by 19 June 2026 be approved; and
5. that the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, be given delegated authority to finalise the Plan prior to submission to the DfE and the NHS.

Reasons for the decision

All Local Area Partnerships had been formally commissioned by Government to produce a Local SEND Reform Plan, setting out how they would deliver systemic improvement and respond to national SEND reform expectations.

Whilst delivering systemic improvements the Plan would also provide benefits for Torbay’s residents such as earlier identification and support, reducing escalation of needs and crisis intervention, more inclusive mainstream provision, enabling more children to be supported locally, improved joined up working across education, health, and care services, greater clarity and consistency in support available to families; and strengthened accountability and oversight, ensuring ongoing improvement and transparency.

Alternative options considered

There were no alternative options were considered, as the development and submission of a Local SEND Reform Plan was a statutory requirement set by the Department for Education for all local authorities and their partners.