Who’s Responsible for SEND support? LAs, Schools & Colleges

Navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), inclusive education and SEND support can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding who is responsible for providing the necessary support services. Local authorities, schools, and post-16 institutions all play crucial roles, but the lines of responsibility can often seem blurred. This blog will guide you through the key responsibilities of each party, helping you understand how they work together to support young people with SEND.

Did you know that over 1.6 million children in England have special educational needs, but many still struggle to access the personalised SEND support they need? This number is growing yearly and understanding who is responsible for providing that specialist assistance can be a daunting task for parents and caregivers. Local authorities, schools, and post-16 institutions each have specific roles, but their responsibilities often overlap, leading to confusion and, sometimes, unmet needs.

The complexity of SEND support services is often exacerbated by a lack of clear communication and understanding between the parties involved. Local authorities are tasked with identifying and assessing the needs of children and young people, but they are also responsible for coordinating the provision of services across health, education, and social care sectors. Schools, meanwhile, are expected to provide tailored specialist educational services within their means, yet they may struggle with limited resources and varying levels of expertise in SEN support.

For parents and young people, and often schools and LAs, this often means navigating a maze of responsibilities, where it’s not always clear who to turn to for specific SEND support. This can lead to delays in receiving essential services, inconsistent support, and, in some cases, a failure to meet basic legal obligations.

At SAILs, we understand the challenges families face when navigating SEND systems and gaining the right special educational support. Our AI-driven tools are designed to bridge the gaps between young people, families, local authorities, schools, and post-16 institutions by providing comprehensive assessments and personalised learning plans. These tools ensure that all stakeholders have access to the same information, making it easier to coordinate and deliver the inclusive education that each child needs and deserves.

There is no easy answer to ensuring young people achieve the best possible outcomes. The importance of a coordinated approach is supported by research, which shows that early identification and consistent special educational support significantly improve outcomes for children with SEND. For example, studies by the Department for Education have repeatedly found that early intervention and consistent SEND services is key to better academic achievements and social integration for children with SEND. This theme looks to accelerate under the new government.

The Importance of Data-Driven Approaches in SEND Support

Schools that utilise data-driven approaches, such as those provided by SAILs, are better equipped to meet the individual needs of their students. This not only enhances the educational experience for students but also ensures that schools fulfil their legal obligations under the SEND Code of Practice.

In addition to supporting local authorities and schools, SAILs' tools are also designed to assist post-16 institutions in providing continued special educational services and support as students transition into further education or the workforce. Our platform assesses strengths and areas of development across different stages of their educational journey ensuring that no information is lost during these critical transitions.

This continuity is crucial for maintaining the momentum of support services that students have built during their school years. By ensuring that post-16 institutions have access to the same comprehensive data as schools and local authorities, we can help create a seamless support network that follows students wherever they go.

Some may worry about the cost or complexity of implementing a new system. However, SAILs is designed to be both scalable and affordable. Our freemium model will allow institutions to start with basic tools at no cost, with the option to upgrade to more advanced provisions as needed. We also offer full support during the implementation phase, ensuring that the transition is smooth and that all staff are fully trained to use the system effectively.

Additionally, by reducing the administrative burden on schools and local authorities, SAILs can save schools and LAs money in the long run by minimising the need for additional interventions and reducing the risk of legal challenges related to lack of specialist support and unmet SEND obligations.

Ready to streamline your inclusive education processes and ensure that every child gets the help they need? Navigating the responsibilities of local authorities, schools, and post-16 institutions in providing SEND services can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With SAILs, you can ensure that every child receives the personalised learning support they need, when they need it, by facilitating better communication and coordination between all parties involved.

If you are wondering how to support SEN students, contact us today. Learn more about how SAILs can help your institution provide coordinated, effective SEN support plans for students. Don’t let your students fall through the cracks—visit www.sails-op.com and see how we can help you make a real difference in their lives!