Council says 'we've listened' after Send summit

More than a hundred people attended the Send summit at the University of Hertfordshire's Fielder Centre

A council leader has said special needs education is a "top priority" for his administration after a summit to discuss the issue.

The event brought together parents, teachers, health professionals and young people in Hertfordshire.

More than a hundred people attended the event at the University of Hertfordshire's Fielder Centre.

Hertfordshire County Council received the lowest possible rating for its Send services in 2023 and the watchdog, Ofsted, found some youngsters were waiting as long as 78 weeks for help.

Steve Jarvis, the county council leader, said: "We've listened, and shared, and challenged one another."

An artist, Julia Bakay, captured the essence of the discussions with an illustration

The summit followed a number of listening events where parents and carers could share their experience of services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

Hillary Skoczylas, the Liberal Democrat councillor with responsibility for Send, said the listening events were important, adding: "You can have the policies and data, but there can be a disconnect between the strategic and real experience."

The summit included a question and answer session

The summit included a keynote address from Dame Christine Lenehan, the government's strategic adviser on Send.

A question and answer session followed with queries submitted by parents, carers, educators and health professionals.

Issues brought up during the listening sessions were discussed in workshops throughout the afternoon.

One of the sessions was delivered by young people with Send, who explored how people were often unaware of hidden disabilities and made assumptions about them.

Steve Jarvis, the leader of the Liberal Democrat-controlled council, said: "We've listened, and shared, and challenged one another.

"Most importantly, people have come together and talked. We began this morning with a clear message: Send is a top priority for the new administration.

"The ideas shared in our workshops, the feedback gathered, and the connections made will shape our plans and our strategy.

"And that strategy will not be written in isolation - it will be co-produced, co-owned and co-delivered."