The Family and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Northumberland Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Capacity and Place Planning Strategy, and the findings of a recent Area SEND inspection. The committee also reviewed its work programme and forward plan.

SEND Capacity and Place Planning Strategy 2025-2030

The committee was scheduled to consider the rewritten Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Capacity and Place Planning Strategy for the period 2025-2030. This strategy was updated to incorporate the outcomes of the recent Area SEND inspection of the Northumberland Local Area Partnership and the implications of the Government's White Paper, 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving', published in February 2026. The report aimed to compare the Council's current progress against its SEND education objectives with the Government's policy intentions.

The strategy, now in its third version, reflects on the purpose and progress made since its initial introduction in 2023. It outlines the Council's strategic principles and approach to SEND and AP place planning, highlighting a strong correlation between the Council's existing approach and the Government's White Paper. The refreshed data within the strategy reflects the position as of January 2026, and the consultation programme had been amended accordingly. The committee was invited to provide comments on the rewritten strategy, particularly regarding policy direction and the planned consultation programme. Subject to any further comments, the updated strategy would be circulated to schools, academies, and relevant partners, and published on the Council's website.

The strategy details the continuing need for additional specialist provision, noting a sustained increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). It forecasts a continued rise in EHCP numbers, particularly for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). The report outlines the Council's investment in creating additional specialist places through special school expansion and the development of Specialist Support Bases (SSBs) within mainstream schools. It also addresses the need for additional Alternative Provision (AP) and plans for post-16 SEND provision. The strategy details recent capital projects and the methodology for developing future capital projects, including partnership consultations, annual SEND forecasting, and SENCo surveys. It also provides detailed data and forecasts at a partnership level across Northumberland.

Report and Findings of the Area SEND Inspection of the Northumberland Local Area Partnership (Feb 2026)

The committee was scheduled to receive a report detailing the findings of the Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the Northumberland Local Area SEND Partnership, which took place in February 2026. The report was intended to inform and facilitate scrutiny of these findings.

The inspection summary indicated that the local area partnership's arrangements led to inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) . The report highlighted several effective practices, including the use of data and feedback to understand needs, strong leadership, a clear pathway for neurodevelopmental assessments, and effective multi-agency working in special schools. However, areas for improvement were also identified, such as variability in the quality of EHCPs, inconsistent communication between agencies, lengthy waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments, and a need to strengthen engagement with schools to ensure consistent identification and meeting of needs. The report also noted the need to improve the quality of education provided in AP settings and the inconsistency of information passed between schools during transitions. The committee was asked to note the findings, scrutinise improvements, and acknowledge the role of the Local Area SEND Reform Plan in driving post-inspection improvements.

Reports of the Scrutiny Officer

The committee was scheduled to review the Scrutiny Officer's reports, which included:

• Forward Plan: A review of the latest Forward Plan of key decisions, with any further changes to be reported at the meeting.
• Family and Children's Services OSC Work Programme: Consideration of the work programme and monitoring report for the committee for 2026/27.

The committee was also to consider any urgent business that, in the opinion of the Chair, should be considered due to special circumstances.