St Helens SEND Strategy 2024-2027: Visible, Valued and Included
St Helens SEND Strategy 2024-2027
Visible, Valued and Included
Action Plan 2024/25
What we will do
Priority 1: Managing Transitions for Life
We Will Action Outcomes / Outputs Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update Develop integrated processes that will support the transition for children and young people between services
Cyp and Parent Carers will have a seamless experience and feel less “passed pillar to post”
% of Cyp that successfully transition Case studies from services on successful transition
All Partners April 2025
Tessa & Outreach offer to incorporate support for transitions
Cyp that successfully transition to next stage and remain at the provision
% of Cyp that successfully transition
Local Authority/
Rectory Primary/Mill Green
December 2024
Review information and advice for children and their families on the local offer to support transition through life.
Cyp are well prepared and successfully transition
Feedback on the local offer Local Authority December 2024
Ensure transitions are well-planned and person-centred for children moving from one phase of education to another.
Multi Agency Next Steps Conference to aid transition from early years settings. Let’s get Ready for Nursery - universal provision embedded in the Family Hubs
Cyp are well prepared and successfully transition
% of Cyp that successfully transition Engagement of all partners
Local Authority/
MerseyCare/ Cheshire Wirral Partnership NHS
Trust
June 2025
Work with Greater Merseyside
Local Provider Federation to develop a model of supportive/inclusive apprenticeships.
Increase in the numbers of young people accessing local provision
No. of young people accessing local provision
Local Authority/
Colleges
April 2025 Increase employment and training opportunities for young people and adults with SEND
Work collaboratively with Parents and Education providers to enhance provision for young people with complex needs.
Increase in the numbers of young people accessing local provision.
No’s of young people accessing local provision
Local Authority/Post 16
settings/Listen 4
Change
June 2025
Continue to deliver and expand the St Helens Supported Internship Programme Develop bespoke recruitment pathways for young people with SEND
Standardised offer for all providers Increase in young people in Eet
% young people with positive outcomes ie paid employment/volunteering
Local Authority/St
Helens College
All partners
April 2025
Partnership with Whitbread to develop employer led pre supported internships
More young people can access a supported internship.
No. Young people accessing opportunities No. Job Coaches trained
Local Authority/Carmel College/St Helens College/Mill Green
September 2025
Improve ways in which partners could promote Annual Health Checks when meeting with young people aged 14-25.
More young people receive their Annual Health Check
No. / % uptake of Annual Health Checks in 14–25- year-olds
St Helens Icb / All
Partners
Jan 25 – Promotion / June
25 – Outturn
Promote the offer of Annual Health checks, and ensuring these reach all young people aged 14 – 25 with
All partners use Social Media platforms to highlight Annual Health Checks
More young people receive their Annual Health Check
No. / % uptake of Annual Health Checks in 14–25- year-olds
St Helens Icb / All
Partners
Jan 25 – Promotion / June
25 – Outturn
Targeted travel training for children attending the Medical & Complex Needs Provision (Launchpad)
More young people feeling confident to independently access public transport
Increase in attendance, independence and development of social skills
Alternative
Provision (Launchpad)
January 2025 Promote independent travel training/ curriculums
Proactive engagement with children and young people and their families re offer ITT
More young people feeling confident to independently access public transport
Increase in attendance, independence and development of social skills
Local Authority/Big
Chat groups/Listen4Cha
nge/Schools and
Colleges
January 2025
Work with young people to codesign the Local Offer website and printed materials to explain preparing for adulthood pathways
Young Inspectors to lead on the development of the children’s section of the Local Offer
Young people receive high quality information, advice, and guidance, in line with the Gatsby benchmarks
Increased / consistent hits on Local Offer webpages.
Young Inspectors/Local Authority/partners
December 2024
Update and re-issue the EHCP Toolkit Guidance
Young people are well prepared for adulthood.
Evidenced through Quality Assurance audits
Local Authority/Icb July 2025 Ensure Education, Health and Care plans reflect Preparation for Adulthood outcomes.
Social Care Transition team to develop Social Workers
Young people and their parents and carers tell us they are receiving timely
Social care teams report improved knowledge and
understanding
Local Authority October 2024
understanding around EHCP measures
advice and guidance as they move into adulthood
EHCP review meetings reflect transition to adult social care and relevance of social care provision in meeting outcomes.
There is good joined up working with the Children's and Transitions Team who attend the Echp Annual reviews Any formal social care support in place is working towards the outcomes as detailed within the social care plan.
All Cyp assessed in a timely way and adult provision is in place at 18 years Qa audits evidence that assessed needs within the EHCP and outcomes are included within the social care support plans where appropriate.
Local Authority October 2024
Pilot coproduced vocational profile
Person-centred, comprehensive vocational profiling is carried out during key stage 4.
No’s of young people accessing local provision
Carmel College/Local
Authority
January 2025
Further develop relationships and resources with DWP to help families and professionals navigate the benefit system and understand the legal Aspects of EHCPs.
More young people with SEND transition into education, employment or training Families understand the positive impact of employment for young people with SEND.
% of Cyp that successfully transition into Further Education % Cyp with SEND Neet
Local Authority/DWP
April 2025
Priority 2: Developing a curriculum for success
We Will
Action Outcomes / Outputs Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update
Promote good practice in attendance through the St Helens Attendance Quality Mark
Increase in the % pupils attending school Reduction in pupils persistently or severely absent
% attendance for pupils with SEND % suspensions or permanently excluded for pupils with SEND No. Schools achieving Quality Mark
Education settings/Local Authority
March 2025
Focus on our three obsessions – attendance, inclusion, and wellbeing
Deliver Inclusive Culture Leaders’ Programme x 12 schools
Every voice in school is heard through restorative approaches.
Soft data and factual data. Including attendance/ suspension/referrals to children’s services
Education settings/Local Authority
March 2025
Feedback from headteachers Feedback from pupils through pupil voice surveys and questionnaires Continue to embed the whole school approach and ensure School Leads link up with Mhst to further support this agenda individual to each school
Better understanding of Mh amongst education staff / Cyp / Parent Carers. Cyp are more resilient, quicker access to support and improved wellbeing
No. / % Education settings undertake Whole School Approach (Wha) audit Increase in the % of schools with a Wsa Ofsted Inspections recognising Mh Wsa in reports.
MerseyCare Mental Health Support Team
June 2025
Continue to ensure School Leads link up with Emotional Health Wellbeing Nurse and/or School Nurse
SMHLs and education staff are well aware of the School Nurse support through promotion of offer Improved wellbeing of Cyp
Increase number / % of uptake of School Nurse offer
Cheshire and Wirral
NHS Partnership
June 2025
Develop and deliver training packages to schools focused on the three obsessions
Increased knowledge and understanding of effective interventions that support attendance, wellbeing and inclusion amongst education staff.
% uptake from schools Positive feedback from schools > 80% rating training as 4+ (1-5 scale)
Local Authority July 2025
Increase sufficiency of specialist placements for children and young people with Slcn, Asd and those with social, emotional and mental health needs in Borough.
Pupils with Slcn, Asd and Semh are supported to be successful in their local setting.
% attendance for pupils with SEND Number Section I appeals % pupils with EHCP attending mainstream. No. Pupils placed out of borough.
Education settings/Local Authority
October 2024 and quarterly
Expand the continuum of provision to support young people that will better meet their needs to be successful in their local or setting
Expand range of Resourced Provisions and Specialist Units for pupils with Asd, Semh and medical needs
Pupils with Asd, Semh and medical needs are supported to be successful in a mainstream setting
% pupils with Asd, Semh or medical conditions educated in mainstream school resourced provision
Local Authority As per capital investment plan
Delivery of the Autism in Schools project phase 1 and 2
Children with Asd have their needs met within mainstream schools.
% pupils with autism educated in mainstream schools No. Pupils placed out of borough Number of schools accessing AiS training No./% of school staff trained No./% of senior leads trained.
Local Authority and Schools
January 2025,
Delivery of ‘Nd and Me’ coaching sessions in all mainstream secondary schools during 24/25 academic year.
Improvement in parental confidence in the mainstream secondary support offer for children who are neurodiverse.
% attendance for pupils in mainstream who are neurodiverse. Number Section 19 requests.
Advanced Solutions, Local Authority and Icb
January 2025
Increase the capacity of mainstream schooling to meet the needs of pupils with neuro-development conditions
Delivery of Partners in Inclusion of Neurodiversity across 6 schools
Improvement in parental confidence in the mainstream offer for children who are neurodiverse.
% pupils with autism or who are neurodiverse in mainstream settings. Number of: • Section I appeals. • Section 19 requests.
Icb/Pcf/LA March 2025
Ensure that pupils have access to a well sequenced, broad and ambitious curriculum, adapted to meet the needs of all pupils
Undertake review of curriculum approaches and make recommendations
Improvement in workforce confidence in adapting curriculum Those who are working with children most often understand how best to adapt the curriculum.
Attainment and progress data
St Helens Education settings
September 2025
Increase in outreach work/support, particularly across KS3, KS4 and tuition through expansion to Outreach Team.
Numbers of children needing a placement in Alternative Provision reduces. Mainstream teachers are better equipped to support pupils to remain in school.
Reduction in admission numbers and the time children return to mainstream reduces.
Local Authority /PRU Leaders
Termly Remodel the alternative provision offer to find creative solutions to support pupils to remain in their named provision
Review pathway for supporting secondary pupils with medical needs
Allow children to continue to access a full-time educational offer. Simplify the process for Section 19 requests for parents.
Reduction in Section 19 referral complaints
Local Authority /PRU Leaders
Termly
Alternative Education to work with schools to improve the earlier identification of emerging needs
Expansion of the Outreach offer for mainstream schools to work with staff and support with PSPs and establish cohorts of children needing early intervention and an ‘at risk of exclusion’ register.
Reduction in admission numbers and prevention of children needing a place in Alternative Provision. Upskilling of mainstream staff to support children to remain in school. Facilitation of process to access Alternative Provision and reintegration back into mainstream.
Specialist Taskforce Outreach Team/PRU Outreach team
PRU Senior Leaders/Local
Authority
Termly
Publication of the Alternative Education services and provisions, including a profile of the service or provision offering, access/admissions and exit criteria, cost (if applicable) and contact/referral details.
New website for Alternative Provision, outlining specific offers for each AP base and access/admissions/exit/Section 19 referrals processes.
Facilitation of information relating to specific offers for each aspect of Alternative Provision.
PRU Senior Leaders/Local Authority
January 2025
Undertake review of system to evidence that all children are on the roll of a quality assured and registered provider who oversees their education and needs.
Qa process in line with Government guidelines for all external providers. Fewer children at KS4 to be educated within external providers, those that are, will have all needs met and receive high quality tuition that has been quality assured in line with government guidelines.
Appointment of new Qa Manager for external alternative provisions.
New curriculum model at KS4 to provide five days education within the KS4 base.
PRU Headteacher/Local Authority
October 2024
January 2025
Ensure that all children accessing alternative provision receive a quality assured offer from a registered provide
Implement annual data analysis systems and forecasting to inform future alternative provision developments.
Greater oversight of need/gaps in service to provide a more effective and strategic offer.
School Evaluation Form/School Improvement Plan/Tracker
PRU Headteacher/Senior Leadership Team/Local Authority
February 2025
Priority 3: Building a community of support
We Will
Action Outcomes / outputs Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update
Development of a SEND Workforce Plan
Staff working with children are skilled and confident
Evaluations of training All partners July 2025 Have an integrated training offer for settings to support a graduated approach to meeting needs.
Analysis of themes through Tessa to inform training needs.
Staff working with children are skilled and confident
Data analysis Local Authority July 2025
Establishment of outreach offer from Mill Green and Rectory Asd provision.
Pupils with Asd supported to have their needs met in their mainstream school
No. Pupils with Asd placed out of borough
Mill Green/ Rectory
Primary
April 2025 Maximise outreach and community services, such as those from special schools or alternative provisions to meet need in local communities
Explore Semh outreach with local provider
Pupils with Semh supported to have their needs met in their mainstream school
No. Pupils with Semh placed out of borough
Local Authority January 2025
Develop three Family Hubs that provide a broad and inclusive offer for all families
For families have inclusive support across the four funded Family Hub strands: • Parenting Support • Parent–Infant Relationships and Perinatal Mental Health Support • Early Language and the Home Learning Environment • Infant Feeding
Family Hubs open and formally launched: • Central Link Family Hub • Sutton Family Hub • Newton Family Hub
Local Authority/ Family Hub Partners
March 2025
Maximise early identification of need and parental support through the St Helens Family Hubs.
Establish a clear, early identification tool that will support the work specific to St Helens and deliver Chatterbox programmes. Parent Coffee afternoon available via the Family Hub offer to provide independent advice and support for families where children may have emerging needs.
Maximise opportunities for families with young children to have their children’s needs identified at the earliest opportunity Chatterbox programmes impact on speech and language
Elim Early language identification measure and intervention to be embedded into Family Hub practice No. Chatterbox programmes delivered Children accessing Chatterbox do not require specialist interventions.
Local Authority
March 2025
Coproduce our short breaks offer, improving diversity including PAs and short breaks foster carers to meet eligible needs.
Undertake review of existing provision in context of new Short Breaks Statement
Ensure that children and young people have the right support at the right time
No’s children accessing short breaks. Feedback and evaluation to evidence service user experience.
Local Authority/Short
Breaks Development
Group
December 2024
Engage with Providers to map offer, improve accessibility and address gaps Co-develop short breaks offer, extending opportunities including specialist foster carer provision. Develop the offer for early help so that Early Help Assessments and the Early Help Support Plan process is used at the right time.
Multi-professional update and refresh of the Early Help Assessment Tool (Ehat). Formalise SEND pathways and processes at Level 2 Mash
For families to have trained and experienced staff respond in the Level 2 Mash environment accurately and consistently where there are emerging, or established SEND need to ensure families get the right help at the right time commensurate with the Descriptors of Need document.
Establish and update processes/scripts in the Level 2 Mash for emerging or established SEND needs.
Local Authority September
Development and launch of the new Local Offer
Parents, carers and practitioners tell us that the online local offer is easy to use and provides useful information
No. people using the local offer website
All partners/
Local Offer Development Group
December 2024 Ensure that our Local Offer website helps children, and their families find the local information and support from across St Helens.
Implement annual assurance process for partners to verify information is accurate, up to date and complies with standards and expectations.
Parents, carers and practitioners tell us that the online local offer is easy to use and provides useful information
Compliance with annual assurance
All partners/
Local Offer Development Group
September
All partners to promote Thrive ensuring children, young people and families know what support is available
Parent carers and young people are aware of the support available to them Thrive Canva continues to develop as a user-friendly resource. Consider adopting C&M As One Digital Platform.
No of views / users of the
Thrive Canva resource
All partners / Thrive
Collab
June 2025 Promote the St Helens Thrive model so that Cyp receive the right support, at the right time, from the right person.
Develop a Thrive resource briefing pack and deliver this to partners
Professionals are aware of the Cypmh support services in St Helens Professionals receive some initial information on what is organic Mh issue and what may not be appropriate for a Cypmhs
Number of briefing sessions delivered Number of professionals joining briefing sessions % of inappropriate referrals reviewed by Thrive Services
Thrive Collab June 2025
Integration of Thrive services People experience a more seamless offer when referred to Cypmh services.
Case studies Thrive Collab June 2025
Future Cyp Mh investment will support local population health need aligned to the C&M / St Helens Mh Transformation plan for 24/25 and 25/26
Investment opportunities shared with SEND Partnership Board and L4C etc to have a say on how funding is used
Cypmh Transformation Plan for St Helens developed.
Regular Cypmh updates
to SEND Board
Icb June 2025
18 additional Primary Schools offered Paths
Young people in primary school display Positive Alternative Thinking Strategies and are more emotionally resilient as a result. Schools more able to support pupils' emotional needs.
Levels of Attendance Number of Accredited Therapeutic Schools Numbers of pupils who are Nirofte % schools /staff reporting improvements in attention and concentration / aggressive and disruptive behaviour / empathy / social and emotional competence.
Local Authority,
Barnardo’s, Icb/Primary Schools
October 2024 Expand the PATHs programme to more schools and more schools are accredited as Therapeutic Schools
6 Secondary Schools offered ExSEL+
Young people benefit from a continuity of support for Positive Alternative Thinking Strategies, particularly post phase transfer.
Levels of Attendance Numbers of pupils who are Nirofte Number Section 19 Requests Exclusion / Suspension data % schools /staff reporting improvements in attention and concentration / aggressive and disruptive behaviour / empathy / social and emotional competence
Local Authority,
Barnardo’s, Icb/Secondary
Schools
October 2024
24 Pre-Schools offered Paths Pre-school children are more ‘school ready’ and are emotionally prepared for transfer to the primary phase.
Reception attendance data % schools /staff reporting improvements in attention and concentration / aggressive and disruptive behaviour / empathy / social and emotional competence
Local Authority, Barnardo’s, Icb/Early
Years settings
October 2024 Scope of Early Years Offer - July 2024
Priority 4: Meeting multiple and complex needs
We Will
Action Outcomes Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update
Consider recommendations for local implementation from Cheshire and Merseyside neurodiversity workstream
Shared Care of Adhd for adults Workstream recommendations for system change Early Help & Empowerment Workstream recommendations for system change Clinical Reference Group Workstream recommendations for system change.
Tbc C& Micb Ndp Workstream Leads
July 2025
Promote understanding and support for Neurodiversity
Consider a pilot of a Needs Assessment Tool in a small cohort of schools whilst awaiting recommendations from C&M
Those using the tool are supported to consider the needs of Cyp holistically. Cyp are supported in the right way, first time
No of schools committed to testing tool No. of schools tested tool No. of Cyp screened with tool.
St Helens Icb / SEND
Partnership Board
Dec 2024
Commitment from all partners to improve our understanding of service pathways
Trauma informed training offer for schools
Trauma informed approaches in schools support children with SEND No’s training sessions delivered.
Alternative Education
Service
July 2025 Improve our approach to supporting the needs of children who have experienced trauma
Commitment to multi-agency working
Partnership Virtual School/ Educational Psychology To ensure that Looked After Children with SEND
Case studies
Virtual School
July 2025
who may have experienced acute trauma receive assessment and support in a timely manner.
No’s children with SEND accessing support.
Critical Incident Response to mitigate long-term effects of traumatic event.
Co-ordinated Critical Incident Response aligned with Mersey region
% schools rating support as 4+
Local Authority July 2025
Continue to develop and implement training and awareness for SEND and hidden disabilities
Development of a SEND Workforce Plan
Staff working with children are skilled and confident
Professionals report improved knowledge, skills and confidence % health staff completed Oliver McGowan training Number of health staff undertaking Dco training in St Helens No of health staff undertaking Council for Disabled Children Lv 1 & 2.
All partners April 2025
Support schools and settings to meet the medical needs of children young people with identified health conditions, with access to support and training from local health providers.
Schools able to support pupils with medical needs within their setting to enable them to access their education
Increase confidence for school staff meeting medical needs in school through review of policy Clear process for accessing support and training from health professionals
Reduction in queries relating to complex cases as processes for support adequately meeting needs
Icb/Local Authority/All partners
Mar 2025
Develop a programme of activity to support the promotion of Tcp/Dsd to practitioners and families
Local education, health and social care professionals have an increased understanding of the Tcp process. Professionals and public heave increased understanding of how to support Cyp and avoid increasing Mh risk
Number of Tcp briefing sessions undertaken Number of people attended briefing sessions Number of visits to Tcp page on The Local Offer.
Icb / All Partners July 2025 Continue to deliver a local Transforming Care Programme for Children and Young People with a Learning Disability and/or Autism
Implementation of the intensive support function
Children at increased risk of Mh Admission are supported to stabilise and remain supported in the community
Mid-Mersey Service implemented % Cyp on Dsd reviewed by service
Icb / Mersey Care April 2025
% Cyp on Dsd supported by service % Cyp on Dsd with improved risk score. Continue to pilot new initiatives to inform optimal methods of support for Cyp with Ld/Asc: Implement and review Ascn Enhanced Family Support Implement and review Spectrum Gaming offer Implement and review Kooth Idp offer Implement and review Ascn Pathway Waiting initiatives
Cyp and Parent Carers are given access to a range of new initiatives. Families accessing support feel more empowered and needs of Cyp are being met
4 x families supported to achieve goals 67 & 50 Cyp access support online and reduce isolation and progress to community support No of Learning Programmes & participants; feedback of increased understanding.
Icb June 2025
Continue to develop and improve the St Helens Thrive model to meet the needs of children and young people with complex mental health needs
Development of a Thrive Workforce Plan Continue to review data / undertake engagement with local people Work with Young Inspectors to review Thrive Services.
Young people with SEND report
positive experiences of Cypmh
services
Audit of services % Thrive services trained in Ld/Asc / SEND / Trauma
Icb / Cypmhs July 2025
Ensure safeguarding training programme reflects the diverse needs of children with SEND.
Children with SEND are safe No.s children with SEND supported
Safeguarding
partnership
March 2025
Time Programme (Therapeutic Intervention for Males in Education) to be created to address trauma and emotional wellbeing in boys.
To reduce suspensions and use of alternative provision which disproportionately affects boys. To reduce vulnerabilities and likelihood of secondary forms of abuse such a Child Exploitation.
Suspension and exclusions data Data around use of alternative provision Attendance data Pupil/participant voice
Virtual School December 2024
Collaborate with safeguarding agencies to ensure SEND children and those in Alternative Provision are appropriately protected from neglect, harm and exploitation
Nurture Pilot to be run with two mainstream secondary schools
To address social and emotional developmental delays in young
Repeated Boxall Profiles Pupil voice Staff feedback
Virtual School December 2024 A
people who have experienced abuse and trauma.
Observation and assessment
Professional development for Designated Teachers around Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires and how scores can be addressed through the Pep process.
To ensure that for any Looked After Child where their Sdq indicates a need, that they receive timely and effective support through their Pep, or through other services where appropriate.
Termly Pep completion data. Pupil Voice
Virtual School/Health
Providers/ Education Settings
December 2024
Partnership Virtual School/ Educational Psychology
To ensure that Looked After Children with SEND who may have experienced acute trauma receive assessment and support in a timely manner.
Case studies No’s children with SEND accessing support
Virtual School October 2024
Priority 5: Ensuring timely assessment and effective support We Will Action Outcomes Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update Increase in the number of Early Years settings, recognised as communication friendly spaces by Elklan.
Local Authority
July 2025
Increase in the number of Early Years practitioners trained in level 3 Language and Communication Development.
Local Authority / Ey
Hub
July 2025
Ensure that every child has access to a Speech and Language Pathway in the early years
Ensure that all settings and professionals are familiar with how children develop Speech, Language and Communication Skills in the early years and provide training and resources to support this.
Professionals in Early Years settings can appropriately identify where children need additional support with their speech and language development and provide appropriate intervention.
Reduction in number of inappropriate referrals to Slt Services from Early Years Settings.
Local Authority / Slt Service
July 2025
Ensure children have access to good quality early education through the expansion of the Free Early Education Entitlements for working parents by September 2025.
Ensure parents of children with SEND are not disadvantaged when accessing their entitlement to free early education.
Eligible Parents of children with SEND can take up their free early education entitlement.
% Eligible Parents of children with SEND accessing Feee entitlement.
Local Authority /
DWP
July 2025
Improve the timeliness of Education Health and Care plans
Undertake a review of capacity requirements in key services including the Educational Psychology Service and SEND Casework Service
EHCPs and annual reviews completed within statutory timescales EHCPs are of a consistently high quality, are co-produced and tell the story of the child
% EHCPs and annual reviews completed within statutory timescales % plans and annual reviews adhering to the St Helens Quality Standards % advice submissions which are deemed to be of good quality
Local Authority
October 2024
Quarterly
Implementation of new EHCP Casework system and digital access
% Cyp and parent carers satisfaction with EHCP process
September 2024
Expand range of Resourced Provisions and Specialist Units for pupils with Asd, Semh and medical needs
Pupils with Asd, Semh and medical needs are supported to be successful in a mainstream setting
% pupils with Asd, Semh or medical conditions educated in mainstream school resourced provision
Local Authority/St
Helens Schools
As per SEND
Capital Plan
Development of ‘Digital Portal’ for Tessa
A responsive referral system to specialist services based on a ‘tell us once approach.
Level of school satisfaction. Volume of referrals Quality of referrals
Local Authority
October 2024
Integration of Health Services in the Tessa offer to schools.
Schools can access timely information and support from health services following single route of referral
Range of services offered to schools at point of referral.
Local Authority/ Therapeutic
and Health
Services.
September 2025
Continue to develop and refine our developing Tessa model to ensure schools can access timely information, advice, guidance and support
Review and re-launch an Early Notification process in which health professionals will early notify the LA that a child may have SEND when reaching school age
The LA will have oversight of early years children from the earliest opportunity that may require SEND support in Education. Settings can be prepared and plan ahead of children with complex needs starting in Education.
An Early Notification process understood by all partners.
All partners Mar 2025
Improve our local approach to the graduated response through a review of existing resources and training and improved communication
All Cyp have a robust graduated approach plan in place prior to an Ndp referral Local practitioners receive increased training / briefings in use of a simplified graduated approach tool.
New Ga tool / template
No of briefing sessions delivered annually
No of attendees
Tbc Tbc
Referral route via Tessa tested which would mean wider issues addressed prior to Ndp referral
All Cyp would have their needs holistically considered prior to referral to the Ndp
Number of referrals to Tessa for
neurodiverse reasons
Number of referrals from Tessa to Ndp
Tbc Tbc
Continue to address waiting times for diagnosis through the Ndp Steering Group and implement improvements to family's experience including family support workers and family coaching models
Scope out and design an Ndp Online Portal
Cyp & Parent Carers would have access to an online portal
Portal introduced in St Helens
Tbc Tbc
that helps with comms and acts as a tracker of the process Professionals would have an online method of referral and monitoring progress.
Reduction in number of Ndp declined
referrals
C&M Autism Standards reviewed and implemented where possible
New pre-referral checklist would help ensure full process followed prior to Ndp referral Prioritisation approach introduced which would standardise the order of priority with C&M.
Reduction in number of Ndp declined
referrals
Ndp Steering
& Ops Group
Tbc
How we will work
1. Listen to Children, Young People & Families
We Will Action Outcomes Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update Annual review of the Partnership Agreement
Consistent experience of co- production
Parent carer representation on our key governance groups
Listen 4 Change/ Local
Authority
/Icb
March 2025
Launch of the Children’s Declaration
Children are recognised as equal partners in developing a child friendly borough
Progress against pledges reported
Youth Cabinet/ Local Authority
November
Embed the SEND Partnership Agreement for coproduction to ensure children, young people and their families are empowered to actively participate in decisions.
Develop opportunities for Take Over Children are recognised as equal partners in developing a child friendly borough
No. take over events Feedback from young people on their experience.
All partners November
Ensure that Listen 4 Change as the St Helens Parent Carer Forum is represented at strategic groups and workstreams.
Listen 4 Change provides a supportive and representative Parent Carers Forum
Parent Carers are recognised as equal partners in developing and delivering SEND Services
Parent carer representation on our key governance groups
Listen 4 Change/ Local
Authority
/Icb
March 2025
Build on the Voice of the Child work to use innovative approaches to capture
From Standard 1 in Qa cycle a task and finish group to be set up to
To develop new paperwork that was child/Yp centred to inform Section A of EHCP
Measured through annual Qa cycle
Local Authority, L4C,
Icb
Summer 2024-
Summer 2025
address the Voice of the Child paperwork quality.
To ensure Children and Yp understand and participate in their own EHCP and support self-advocacy including development of video produced by and for young people with SEND.
To measure the involvement of Yp and record this accurately. To implement self-advocacy training for Yp to access
Development of data capture process
Local Authority, L4C,
Icb
Summer 2025
and listen to the voice of children and young people with SEND
To develop innovative ways of working together across organisations, involving multiple stakeholders to develop child/Yp appropriate resources to support Yp in expressing their views. Recruitment and training of new cohort of Young Inspectors
Guidance to support professionals in capturing the voice of the child. Child/Yp centred resources developed
Guidance produced in a Sway document Link in with Yp to support development of resources No. Young Inspectors trained, and inspections undertaken, and recommendations adopted.
All partners
July 2025
Bi Monthly Kit meetings
Services shaped through cooperation and co production
No parent carers participating in events/workshops/ Projects.
Local Authority, L4C,
Icb
Bi Monthly
Hold Termly ‘Engagement Events’ to ensure progress across all workstreams can be reported.
All partners and stakeholders will be fully sighted on progress of strategy.
Attendance Evaluation Surveys
Local Authority, L4C,
Icb
March 2024
Facilitate regular workshops with parents and carers and our children and young people, seeking their views to help us shape services
Hold Preparing for Adulthood event are held during the year which bring together local services, providers, employers, young people.
Stakeholders are aspirational for paid work for young people with SEND
No providers involved Feedback from attendees
All partners December
Development and launch of the new Local Offer
Parents, carers and practitioners tell us that the online local offer is easy to use and provides useful information.
No. people using the local offer website
All partners/
Local Offer Development
Group
December
2024 Continue to develop and improve the St Helens Local Offer website, to make it more accessible for children, young people and their families
Implement annual assurance process for partners to verify information is accurate, up to date and complies with standards and expectations
Parents, carers and practitioners tell us that the online local offer is easy to use and provides useful information.
Compliance with annual
assurance
All partners/
Local Offer Development
Group
September
2. Strengthen Communications
We Will
Action Outcomes Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update
Review Halo newsletter in light of new Local Office website
Improved communication through range of channels
Feedback from professionals, parents, carers and families. Data on views
All partners March 2025 Ensure open communication by publishing regular newsletters for professionals, parents, carers and families.
Continue to develop Local Offer Facebook Group Iass
Improved communication through range of channels
Feedback from professionals, parents, carers and families. Data on views
All partners March 2025
Publish You Said we are doing response on new Lo site as part of the launch
Improving services Improving communication
Publication by date Local Offer Development
Group.
October 2024 Publish feedback using the ‘You Said, we are doing’ (Yswad) approach.
Partners to undertake an annual Yswad response with parent carers.
Improving services Improving communication
No. Responses from partners
Local Offer Development
Group
March 2025
Treat everyone equally and with respect, actively listen to each other and give equal value to every contribution
Annual review of the Partnership Agreement to evaluate principles agreed
Consistent experience of co- production
Parent carer representation on our key governance groups
Listen 4 Change/
Local Authority
/Icb.
March 2025
Communicate openly, clearly and honestly
Annual review of the Partnership Agreement
Consistent experience of co- production
Parent carer representation on our key governance groups
Listen 4 Change/
Local Authority
/Icb.
March 2025
3. Build a Great Workforce
We Will Action Outcomes Expected Measure By Whom Review Date Update Provide opportunities for agencies to embed a culture of collaboration, coproduction, and trust
Young inspectors promote opportunities to embed service user insight to aid improvement
Services improve as a result of
young inspection
Agencies report improved knowledge
and understanding.
Partners/Youn
g Inspectors
July 2025
Ensure ongoing opportunities for continuous professional development and improvement
Implement training to improve understanding of SEND to better identify, assess and meet need.
Improvement in knowledge, skills
and confidence
No. Professionals attending training course evaluations
All Partners July 2025
Implement programme of awareness raising and training to support establishment of the Local Offer
Professionals confident to use local
offer to support families
No. Professionals attending launch/Lo/Family Hub events
Local Offer Development
Group
December
Improve understanding of Pfa, employment pathways and post 16 provision to inform EHC advice, assessment and plans through workforce training programme, utilising support and resources, such as job coaches, qualified careers specialists etc.
All post 16 providers deliver high quality work related, study programmes
No. young people on Study Programmes which lead to paid employment or self-employment
Local Authority/Post
16 settings
July 2025
Promote wider culture of SEND as everybody’s business and an understanding of roles and responsibilities.
Multi agency Professionals Practice Learning events
Professionals 2 multi agency Cpd events per year
All Partners July 2025
Address recruitment, retention and staff wellbeing in all service areas.
EHCP action plan to address capacity gaps in key services
Understanding of capacity
requirements
Timelines of EHCPs Local Authority October 2024
Key
AiS – Autism in Schools
Dsd – Dynamic Support Database
Cpd Continuous Professional Development
EHCP – Education, Health and Care Plam
Pfa – Preparing for Adulthood
Lo – Local Offer
Icb – Integrated Care Board
Tessa - Triage, Education Specialist Services and Advice
Neet – not in education, employment or training
Eet - education, employment or training
Ndp – Neurodevelopment Pathway
C & M – Cheshire and Merseyside
Slcn – Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Asd – Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Semh – Social, Emotional and/or Mental Health Needs
Wsa - Whole School Approach
Ks – Key Stage
PRU – Pupil Referral Unit
Ga – Graduated Approach
Tcp/Dsd - Transforming Care Programme/Dynamic Support Database
Iass – Independent, Advice and Support Service
Mhst – Mental Health Support Teams in Schools
Halo – Help Around the Local Offer
Idp – Integrated Digital Pathway
Why this page, not just a PDF? The original is a PDF - fine to read, but a poor fit for assistive technology: heading structure is often inconsistent or absent, text doesn't reflow for zoom or a narrow screen, and screen readers can struggle with multi-column layouts and scanned pages. This page is the same content rebuilt as plain, semantic HTML - real headings, text that reflows, nothing a screen reader or zoom tool trips over.
Republished from St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council under the Open Government Licence v3.0. View the original PDF.