Lambeth Local Area SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2021–2024
Following the Local Area SEND Inspection in January 2020, Lambeth’s SEND strategy has been updated.
This strategy sets out our shared vision, principles and priorities to ensure that, as partners, we are working together effectively to identify, assess and meet the needs of Lambeth’s children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from birth to the age of 25.
The strategy aims to meet the requirements of the Children and Families Act 2014 in a way that is ambitious, inclusive and realistic in the challenging financial context.
The strategy commits to promoting inclusion, and excellent outcomes for children with SEND and those who need additional support to achieve their full potential.
To learn more about the strategy, watch a webinar or listen to these interviews on Colourful Radio. Education, health and social care leaders explain what they're doing to improve the SEND and inclusion services in Lambeth.
Credit: interviews originally recorded and produced by Colourful Radio
Read the strategy
There are two versions of the strategy for you to read. It's a long document, so you have the choice between the 'Easy Read' version and the full document.
Additionally, find out more about Lambeth's preparing for adulthood strategy.
Our Approach
1. Person-centred
This means we involve young people and their families in deciding about the services they will get. We know the best way to design and deliver the best support is by working with them as equal partners. We listen to make sure that our services respond to the interests, needs and strengths of all vulnerable children and young people.
2. Joined up identification of need
We work in partnership with all the organisations that support children and young people who might find education more difficult. Together, we collect, analyse and understand all the information available. This allows us to make sure the right services are put in place. We join up specialist services with universal and mainstream settings to make sure vulnerable learners go to the right school or college. This can be mainstream or specialist.
3. Professional development
We promote continuous professional learning in children’s and adults’ services, health services, and in education from early years to further and adult education. We also make sure that training is working as it should. We are especially careful that the training is anti-racist.
4. Evidence-based
We keep up with the latest research to make sure our vulnerable learners are getting the best possible service.
5. Partnership with voluntary and community sector organisations
We value local knowledge and the skills of the Lambeth voluntary and community sector. We will continue to find new ways to work with them through Lambeth Together and other organisations.
6. Equal access to digital solutions
The Coronavirus pandemic has shown how important the internet is becoming. It has also highlighted that there is unequal access to this technology. As we use more digital solutions to work with children and families in Lambeth, we will make sure we use flexible ways of working that avoid excluding anyone.
7. Communication for all
We are working to improve the way we let children, young people and families about our new ways of working. We are working with the community and using the latest research to make sure that everyone can understand this strategy.