Education

Dudley  is an inclusive authority, so for the majority of children with SEN, including those supported with an Education Health Care plan (EHCP), the local school will be able to meet identified needs.

Getting the right support in school or college is very important for all children and young people so that they can prepare for their life as an adult. Preparing for adulthood (PFA) outcomes support children and young people with SEND from the earliest years to have equal life chances across the four areas of:

• Education and employment
• Independent living
• Friendships, relationships and community inclusion
• Maintaining good health

For children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) this will mean that they will need more help than others while they are in school or college. Mainstream early years providers, schools and colleges will be able to adapt their practice and provide targeted intervention so that most children and young people with SEND can achieve their potential.

Some children and young people will require more specialist help and support and may require an EHCP in order to access a mainstream setting. For a small number of children a mainstream setting might not be the most appropriate placement to meet their special educational needs, and a more specialist placement will be required.