SEND reform planning: A partnership approach

Published on

More than 100 partners came together in Walsall to share insights and shape the foundations of a collaborative, young person centred SEND Reform Plan.

SEND Reform key principles

More than 100 professionals, parents and carers came together on Wednesday 15th April for Walsall’s All Partnership Day, marking a significant milestone in shaping the borough’s future SEND Reform Plan.

The day brought together colleagues from education, health and social care alongside parents and carers, creating a welcoming space for sharing knowledge and experiences and having open, honest conversations. Voices from across the partnership helped shape plans that reflect real experiences and local needs.

Working together, participants explored what the three SEND reform pillars – Universal Provision, Experts at Hand and Pupil Placement - should look like for children and young people in Walsall. Discussions were positive, focused and future‑looking, with a strong emphasis on what success should look like over the next three years.

Momentum from the Partnership Day has continued. Two further co‑production sessions have since taken place, each attended by over 85 partners, demonstrating the strength of commitment across the partnership. These sessions enabled partners to further refine and co‑produce a SEND Reform Plan that truly reflects Walsall’s needs.

We are incredibly proud of the commitment shown, particularly given the short timescales. The enthusiasm, positive energy and shared sense of purpose were clear across all sessions.

Co‑production remains central to our approach, and we look forward to continuing this work together as we turn ambition into meaningful change for children and young people with SEND.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and continues to help shape Walsall’s SEND future.

SEND reform key principles

  • Early identification and early intervention
  • Mainstream inclusion first
  • Clear, consistent national standards
  • Reduced bureaucracy and simplified processes
  • Parent and child-centred decision-making
  • Multi-agency collaboration
  • Stronger accountability
  • A single, coherent 0–25 SEND workforce