Dudley Local Area SEND Self Evaluation (SEF)
The Dudley SEND Partnership is collaborating with the Department for Education (DfE) to enhance services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As part of the Delivering Better Value (DBV) in SEND programme, Dudley is focusing on three main areas: redesigning specialist services and inclusive provision, developing a sufficiency strategy, and preparing for adulthood.
The Self Evaluation (SEF) for 2024 outlines the ongoing work in the local area, highlighting strengths and areas for development. It aligns with the updated SEND Inspection framework and integrates the six priority areas of the Accelerated Progress Plan (APP).
The partnership, including the Local Authority (LA), Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Dudley Parent Carer Forum (DPCF), has committed to a unified self-evaluation process. This process has been informed by feedback from schools and voluntary sector representatives through local engagement sessions.
Dudley aims to create a child-friendly environment by working closely with families to improve their experience with SEND services as well as harnessing staff passion and commitment, and streamlining structures and processes.
This evaluation contains chapters on:
Governance
SEND in numbers & demand for provision
Children and young people's needs are accurately identified and assessed promptly and effectively
Children, young people and their families are involved in decision-making about their individual plans and support
Children and young people receive the right help at the right time
Children and young people are well prepared for their next steps and achieve strong outcomes
Children and young people are valued, visible and included in their communities
Leaders actively engage and work with children, young people and families
Leaders have an accurate, shares understanding of the needs of children and young people in their local area
Leaders commission services and provision to meet the needs and aspirations of children and young people, including commissioning arrangements for children and young people in alternative provision
Leaders evaluate services and make improvements
Leaders create an environment in which effective practice and multi-agency working can flourish
Our priorities that will make a difference for children with SEND in Dudley
- Continue to grow capacity and improve practice
- Deliver an efficient, effective and well managed SEND system
- Ensure coproduction is at the heart of all of our planning and delivery to improve the experiences of children, young people and their families
- Enabling lasting change through intelligence, data and strategic commissioning