Special Educational Needs Pathfinder - Update

SEN Pathfinders

• 20 Pathfinders, covering 31 local authorities and their Primary Care Trust Partners

• “the biggest reforms in 30 years to help disabled children and those with special educational needs so we need to make sure we get it right” Sarah Teather, Children’s Minister

Testing core elements of reform:

• A single education, health and care plan from birth to 25 years old

• Personal budgets for parents of disabled children and those with SEN

• Strong Partnership between parents, voluntary and community sector and local services

What have we done so far?• Established a Steering Group and 3

Task & Finish groups.• Developed a person centred draft co-

ordinated education, health and social care plan.

• Got the power to test out personal health budgets.

• Commissioned the Office of Public Management (OPM) to help us develop what a Key working model may look like in Darlington.

• Started work to support education, health and social care develop their ‘Local Offer.

What have we done so far• Held several awareness raising events

attended by some schools.• Asked schools to complete a template to

help develop the ‘Local Offer’.• 28 young people and families signed up so

far.• Developed links with young peoples

forums and parent carer forums.

The Plan• So what’s changed?

• Meaningful, leading to change from all parties for the benefit of the young person in the short, medium and long term.

• 1st person –the world from the young person’s perspective

• Simplified language

• Emphasis on strengths, whilst recognising needs.

• Clearer outcomes for the young person

• Pages for budgets with social care and SEN budgets included

• Possibilities for more choice and control for parents

• What’s not changed?

• Not able to be specific enough yet about outcomes

• No sign off or major changes re: budgets yet

• Will the Plan lead to different ways of working with the child & young person?

• We are told that our draft plan is one of the best in the whole Country!

What we are being told so far

How can you help us?• We need your help too:

1. Get more young people involved.2. Test personal budgets (EHC)3. Improve multi agency communication around

the SEND Pathfinder.4. Raise awareness with as many important

Education, Health & Care networks as possible.

5. Help us design and test the new system6. We need to keep you all updated.

Any Questions