At their meeting yesterday, Sefton Council’s cabinet members approved a refreshed Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy for 2025–2028.

Consultation and co-production

It has been developed through extensive consultation and co-production with families, schools, health and social care professionals, and young people themselves.

The strategy represents a bold and inclusive plan designed to improve outcomes and opportunities for children and young people across Sefton. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, responsive, and empowering SEND system.

Shape vision

The strategy is rooted in feedback from Sefton’s annual SEND survey and a wide-ranging public consultation. It places the voices of parents, carers, and young people at its heart. This ensures their experiences and aspirations shape the vision and priorities moving forward.

Sefton has a clear vision. Every child and young person with SEND should be able to thrive in their local community with access to timely and effective support. And they should be able to move confidently into adulthood with the tools they need to succeed.

The four key priorities underpin the refreshed SEND Strategy are:

1. Feeling Included – Building a borough-wide culture of inclusion with a consistent and holistic approach to support.
2. Developing Local Provision – Expanding access to high-quality, community-based services that meet diverse needs.
3. Improving Transitions – Ensuring smooth, well-supported transitions into adulthood through coordinated planning.
4. Strengthening Communication – Enhancing trust and transparency through better information-sharing and co-production.

The strategy has been shaped by meaningful engagement, including Youth Conferences and co-production sessions with families and professionals. These collaborative efforts have led to a robust implementation plan that outlines concrete actions and sustained investment to deliver real change.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson said:

"Sefton Council is committed to turning vision into reality and this strategy is more than a document—it’s a promise to our children, young people, and families.

“We’ve listened, we’ve learned, and now we’re acting. Together, we’re building a SEND system that is inclusive, transparent, and focused on delivering better outcomes for all.

“And a future where every child feels included, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.”