Local SEND Reform Plan
September 16, 2026 Cabinet (Cabinet collective) Key decision Awaiting outcome View on council websiteThis summary is generated by AI from the council’s published record and supporting documents. Check the full council record and source link before relying on it.
Summary
The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council noted the publication of national SEND reforms and endorsed the submitted Local SEND Reform Plan as the framework for local implementation. Cabinet delegated the delivery of the plan to the Director for Education and Skills.
The Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene and Flooding decided to implement a Traffic Regulation Order for Melksham Station Car Park. This will allow the council to operate the car park on a Pay and Display basis.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding decided to implement proposed speed limit changes in Burton. This includes extending the 30mph speed limit on Hillside and introducing a 20mph speed limit on Nettleton Road and adjacent streets.
The Cabinet of Wiltshire Council noted and approved various proposals regarding the Capital Programme for the financial year 2023/24. This included noting additional capital budgets, budget brought forward, movements between schemes, and approving the removal of certain budgets and the roll forward of £26.870m into future years.
The Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills decided to approve a budget of £900,000 over five years for the delivery of Family Group Conferences. Cabinet also approved that Family Group Conferences be commissioned externally through open procurement from 1 April 2025.
The Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene and Flooding decided to implement a 30mph speed limit on a section of the A3102 Lyneham, extending the existing 30-mph speed limit by approximately 47 metres. This is to provide a safe new access designed to Manual for Streets standards.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene & Flooding decided to consent to an application to stop up part of the highway adjacent to 165 Littleworth Lane, Whitley. This is on the ground that the part is unnecessary for public use or any other highway-related purpose.
Full council record
Purpose
A DfE-required plan showing how a local area partnership will deliver SEND reforms, including early intervention, inclusion, Experts at Hand, governance, and impact monitoring.
Decision
Resolved:
That Cabinet note:
1) the publication of the national Schools White Paper and SEND reforms;
2) the guidance and funding for Experts at Hand and the requirement for local areas to develop and submit a Local SEND Reform Plan;
3) that Wiltshire’s Local SEND Reform Plan was submitted to the Department for Education on 19 June 2026 through the appropriate officer decision route, within the required national timescale; and
4) the progress already being made to implement the plan.
That Cabinet agree:
5) to endorse the submitted Local SEND Reform Plan as the framework for local implementation;
6) to delegate delivery of the Local SEND Reform Plan, including any associated expenditure, to the Director for Education and Skills, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, SEND, Education and Skills and subject to the council’s Constitution, approved budgets, grant conditions, procurement and contract regulations, and relevant decision-making requirements; and
7) to receive an update on the status of DfE approval, implementation progress, impact measures and the High Needs Block financial position at the Cabinet meeting on 18 November 2026
Reasons for Decision:
The Local SEND Reform Plan represents the collective view of schools, parent carers, children and young people, the council, health partners and wider stakeholders on the local implementation of the Government’s SEND reforms. The council is confident that implementation of the plan will enhance the quality, consistency and timeliness of support for children and young people with additional needs in Wiltshire.
DfE approval of the submitted plan is also a key step in reducing the financial risk associated with the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit and accessing the High Needs Stability Grant. Cabinet endorsement, delegated delivery arrangements and the November update will provide continued political oversight of implementation, impact, risk and the associated financial position.
Related Meeting
Cabinet - Wednesday 16 September 2026 10.00 am on September 16, 2026
Supporting Documents
Details
| Reference | Call-ins0 |
| Outcome | For Determination |
| Decision date | 16 Sep 2026 |
| Effective from | 24 Sep 2026 |
| Expected date | 16 Sep 2026 |
| Originally due | 16 Sep 2026 |
| Lead officer | Ben Stevens |
| Subject to call-in | Yes |