Improving SEND Services

In July 2022, Ofsted and the CQC revisited our Local Area to assess the SEND service on offer in Central Bedfordshire.  Find out more on our Ofsted / CQC SEND revisit page. 

Find more information about the progress of our SEND Strategy.

Find more information about our SEND Governance Structures

The Delivering Better Value in SEND programme (DBV in SEND) is aiming to support local authorities and their local area partners to improve the delivery of SEND services for children and young people whilst working towards financial sustainability.

55 local areas, including Central Bedfordshire, have opted to participate in the initiative and are being supported to identify the highest impact changes that can be made to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND, and to optimise the use of finances.

Further information about the DBV in SEND Programme.

Central Bedfordshire Council, and the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board have worked with SNAP (Special Needs Action Panel) Parent Carer Forum to agree how we will work together in equal partnership and value the independence of the forum in their support and challenge role.

As a partnership, we are committed to co-production being at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that ‘together is better’. This means working together consistently with SNAP PCF, young people, and families as equal partners as we design, develop, implement, and review services, recognising the value of working together as a way of maximising the chances of getting the services right the first time. As partners we each bring different and complimentary expertise. We strive to communicate with and involve, families in such a way that children, young people and their parents and carers can have their voices heard.

The agreement specifically addresses:

• The role of SNAP PCF as outlined in their partnership agreement and our obligations to SNAP PCF, to work with them as equal partners.
• The resources and training available to support officers to develop and embed their co-production practice.
• Central Bedfordshire Council and BLMK ICB recognise that SNAP PCF parent representatives involved in strategic or operational projects of work, represent the views of their collective membership.

The Partnership Agreement will be referred to as a best practice guide and embedded across the partnership.

Earlier this year the outcome of the SNAP PCF survey was announced, and an action plan was created to address the points you raised.

See what actions have been agreed for the Autumn term, and what steps we are taking to improve our services based on what you told SNAP PCF.

Read the full Action Plan