Families across Swindon with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could see changes to the support available to them after the Government gave its approval to a new reform plan put forward by Swindon Borough Council.
The plan, which has been developed alongside local education, health and care providers, aims to address some of the difficulties families face when trying to access the help their children need.
At the heart of the proposals is a commitment to identifying additional needs earlier, reducing delays in accessing support and making it easier for children and young people to receive help within their own communities.
The Department for Education has now approved the council’s SEND Reform Plan, allowing work to move forward on changes that are intended to improve services over the coming years.
For many parents, navigating the SEND system can be complicated, particularly when dealing with different organisations, assessments and support services. The council says it wants to make that process more straightforward, with families able to understand what help is available and how to access it.
The proposals include improving the way schools and early years settings support children with additional needs, alongside better access to specialist advice when required.
There will also be a greater focus on ensuring children receive appropriate help before difficulties become more serious, rather than waiting until additional intervention is needed.
Another priority is developing more suitable provision locally, potentially reducing the need for some children and young people to travel outside Swindon to access education and support.
The plan also looks at preparing young people for adulthood, including the transition from education into employment, further learning and independent living.
Council officials say the experiences of children, parents and carers have played a part in shaping the proposals, with families continuing to be involved as the changes are introduced.
Government funding could ease pressure on SEND finances
Alongside approval of the reform plan, Swindon Borough Council has become eligible for financial support through the Government’s High Needs Stability Grant.
The grant could cover 90 per cent of the council’s Dedicated Schools Grant deficit accumulated up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
The Dedicated Schools Grant is used to fund education services, including support for children with SEND, and rising demand for specialist provision has placed significant pressure on local authority budgets across the country.
The funding is intended to address historic expenditure already recorded within the deficit, providing greater financial stability while the council works with its partners to introduce the planned improvements.
However, the grant relates to existing financial pressures rather than being a direct promise of additional funding for individual children or schools.
Council says families must see improvements in everyday experiences
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, welcomed the Government’s decision.
“We’re delighted that Swindon’s SEND Reform Plan has been approved by the Department for Education. This is an important milestone for Swindon and reflects the commitment of our partners across education, health and care, as well as the valuable contributions of children, young people, parents and carers who helped shape the plan.”
She said the priority would be making sure children receive support at the earliest opportunity and, wherever possible, close to where they live.
“Our priority is to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time, as close to home as possible. By identifying needs earlier and strengthening inclusive practice across our schools and services, we can improve outcomes and experiences for families across the Borough.”
Councillor Tomlinson also acknowledged that approval alone would not resolve the challenges currently experienced by some families.
“While approval of the plan is a significant step forward, we know families want to see real improvements in their day-to-day experiences.”
What happens next for Swindon families?
With Government approval secured, Swindon Borough Council and its partners will begin putting the proposals into practice.
The changes are expected to take place over the coming years, with schools, health services, families and other organisations continuing to be involved.
The council has committed to improving communication between services, making support easier to access and ensuring available resources are used more effectively.
For parents and carers, the real test will be whether the changes lead to shorter waits, clearer communication and better access to the support their children need.
Although the approval marks an important stage in Swindon’s SEND reform programme, the council has not yet provided a detailed timetable showing when families can expect to see each improvement.
Further information about SEND services in Swindon is available through Swindon Borough Council’s website
