West Northants SEND and Inclusion Strategy reflects approved Department for Education reform plan
05 October 2026
West Northamptonshire's Local SEND Reform Plan, has been approved by the Department for Education (DfE), marking an important milestone in improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
As part of national SEND reforms, local areas were required to develop and submit plans to the Department for Education setting out how partners would work together to improve support, services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
The Reform Plan, which is incorporated into the area’s wider SEND and inclusion strategy, has been developed with input from children, young people and families, schools, education settings, health and partner organisations, to set out how they will work together.
It provides a more joined-up, inclusive, responsive offer and support for children and young people with SEND, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes. The DfE assessment of the plan recognised the progress already made in strengthening leadership, partnership working, and governance across the local area.
Councillor Michael Stratton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We welcome the DfE approval of the Local SEND Reform Plan, which is reflected within our SEND and Inclusion Strategy and recognises the commitment and hard work of partners across education, health and local government.
"While this is a positive step forward, we are clear that approval of the plan is only the beginning. Our focus now is on delivering the improvements set out within the plan and ensuring children and young people with SEND, and their families, receive the support they need at the right time.
"We know there is more to do, and we remain committed to working closely with our partners, schools, parents, carers and young people to build services that are more inclusive, responsive and focused on improving outcomes."
Partners will continue to work together to implement the plan, with progress monitored by the (DfE) through ongoing engagement and regular review arrangements. The focus will be on demonstrating tangible improvements in the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND and their families.