Still time to have say and shape SEND and Inclusion Strategy

There is still time for children, young people, families, education settings, practitioners, partners and community organisations to have their say and help shape Wolverhampton's draft SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2027-2029.

Developed in partnership with education providers, health and care services, voluntary organisations, parent carers, and children and young people, the All Means All Inclusion Plan sets out a shared approach to improving inclusion, and how the City of Wolverhampton Council and its partners will work together to transform the local SEND system.

It also builds on the foundations of the city's All Means All Inclusion Charter, which brought partners together around a shared commitment to inclusion and helped shape the vision and principles that underpin the strategy.

At its heart is a shift towards earlier identification and intervention, stronger inclusion in mainstream settings, and better access to specialist support. The reforms will also expand local provision and build capacity within mainstream schools, helping reduce reliance on high‑cost independent and out‑of‑area placements.

Meanwhile, a new 'Experts at Hand' model will provide quicker access to specialist advice and support, strengthening the skills of the workforce and preventing needs from escalating unnecessarily.

A six-week period of public consultation into the strategy began last month, with people invited to share their views through the council's Citizen Space Consultation Portal at https://consultation.wolverhampton.gov.uk/send/send-strategy-2027-2029/. The consultation will close next Sunday (8 November, 2026).

Meanwhile, HY5!, the city's SEND Forum for young people aged 11 to 25, is hosting a consultation event for young people with SEND at Cherry Street SEND and Sensory Hub on Tuesday (3 November, 2026). To book a place at the event, visit https://tinyurl.com/yvm3uv9b. An easy read survey is also available to gather views and experiences – to complete the survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/36rktx9f.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "Every child and young person deserves to feel included, valued and supported to achieve their potential.

“The All Means All Inclusion Plan has been developed by the city’s SEND Partnership Board and is all about making sure children and young people with SEND can access the right support at the right time, as close to home as possible, helping them to be safe and thrive.

"The experiences and views of children, young people, families, schools, practitioners and community organisations are vital in helping the SEND Partnership Board get this right. We want to hear what matters most to you, so please take a few moments to share your feedback and help shape the final strategy."

The All Means All Inclusion Plan is the city’s local programme for delivering the Government's national SEND reforms. These reforms are designed to improve outcomes by making it easier for children and young people with SEND and their families to get the right support earlier, closer to home and in a more joined-up way.