SEND Priority Action and Impact Plan published

A Priority Action and Impact Plan has been produced, following an inspection into local area special educational needs (SEND) services in Slough.

Ofsted and the CQC carried out this inspection between 7 and 11 July 2025, into local area special educational needs (SEND) services in Slough.

The inspection report was published on 6 November and, although there were a number of positives, overall, the inspectors judged there were “widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.”

The council has co-produced a Priority Action and Impact Plan to address the issues identified by the inspectors with the aim to visibly improve the service.

The Priority Action and Impact Plan is structured around seven themed areas, representing the most significant areas identified through the Ofsted inspection and wider local analysis: 

1.    Data, Systems & Governance 
2.    Commissioning & Alternative Provision 
3.    Parent, Carer and Children and Young People Engagement & Co-Production 
4.    EHC Plans & Annual Reviews 
5.    Preparation for Adulthood & Transitions 
6.    Graduated Approach & Inclusion 
7.    Health Pathways & Multi-Agency Integration.

This plan has been developed collaboratively with partners across education, health, social care, early years, post-16 providers, the voluntary and community sector, and, crucially, parent carers and children and young people themselves. Their lived experiences and aspirations have therefore shaped the priorities and actions.

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for children and lifelong learning, said: “We are determined that the support provided to children and young people with SEND will be clearly improved over the next 18 months, building up the confidence of everyone across the local area.

“We will be single-minded in our focus on ensuring that children, young people, and their families receive the support they deserve, when they need it. Everyone accepts that previous improvement activities have not had sufficient impact yet and this plan will ensure that future programmes are coordinated, evidence based, co-designed and focused on the outcomes for children and young people.”

The inspectors recognised the ambition and commitment of leaders and frontline professionals in Slough, and, over the longer term, this plan will support a wider transformation of SEND services, embedding a culture that is inclusive, visible, partnership based, and aspirational.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please email: SENDimprovement@slough.gov.uk

You can read the plan at: Slough Information and Services Guide | Slough Local Area Partnership SEND Priority Action and Impact Plan.