Staff from our Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team have been invited to the House of Lords thanks to their outstanding support for early years children with SEND.
The honour follows our successful partnership work with national charity Dingley’s Promise, which has helped local childcare providers to develop inclusive learning environments for vulnerable learners under five.
This work gives families more choice when looking for a suitable childcare placement that meets their child’s needs.
A key part of the partnership has been expert training for professionals, equipping them with the skills and confidence to fully support children with SEND within their settings. It also highlights the challenges families face, builds understanding and breaks down barriers.
36 local settings have now gained the Dingley’s Promise Mark of Achievement, reflecting their passion and commitment to inclusive practices. This places Kirklees among the top areas nationally for inclusive childcare.
The House of Lords reception, hosted on behalf of Dingley’s Promise, brought together local authorities to celebrate achievements, share learning and network with ministers, MPs and key decision makers.
Cllr Jane Rylah, Cabinet member for Education said:
“Kirklees is leading the way in supporting young children under five with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and their families.
“This prestigious invite to the House of Lords is a chance to share our learning nationally and ensure the UKs top decision makers hear directly from those working in the sector. By sharing experiences we can make sure they understand the challenges, as well as what we’re doing to make improvements.
“Our focus in Kirklees remains on improving the lives and life-chances of children and young people with additional needs. By creating inclusive learning environments for all our children at the very earliest opportunity, we can help them to achieve their full potential.
“We have ongoing, ambitious plans to transform local support and will continue working with partners, education settings and local families to change vulnerable lives for the better.”
The SEND Big Plan outlines how wider SEND support and services are being transformed in Kirklees. It can be found on our Local Offer website.
The council is funding multi-million pound investments in special school facilities, enabling more children with additional needs to be educated locally and improve outcomes. Both Woodley School and College, which is for pupils with autism, and Joseph Norton Academy, which is for pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health needs, are being rebuilt and relocated.
Other improvements have included the creation of ‘Additionally Resourced Provisions’, which create a greater number of specialist places in local schools.
Helping learners to access the best facilities and opportunities is a key part of Our Kirklees Futures, our long-term vision for learning. It brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, to ensure learners of all ages will reach their full potential and be equipped with vital skills for life.