With consultation already open on online, Northumberland County Council is set to launch the first of its consultation events on 1 November to look at the 2017-2020 SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disability) Strategy.
The consultation, which is open until 8 December, will also look at the proposed ideas on how to increase school place capacity to meet the demand for children with SEND in specialist and mainstream education.
Approximately 3% of the school age population in Northumberland will have complex Special Educational Needs (SEN), this accounts for approximately 1400 school age children.
Andy Johnson, Interim Director of Children’s Services at Northumberland County Council said: “We are currently seeking views from a wide range of key stakeholders on this strategy and hope that people will share their thoughts and ideas to help shape the final version of the document.”
Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are committed to giving all children the best possible start in life and to support them to reach their full potential.
“The feedback we get from this consultation will help us to ensure that services and support we provide for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are of the highest quality and have the maximum impact.”
Consultation drop-in events have been organised throughout November across the county:
1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., Wednesday 1 November, Berwick Leisure Centre, Berwick upon Tweed
1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., Thursday 16 November, Concordia Leisure Centre, Cramlington
1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., Wednesday 22 November, Ponteland Leisure Centre, Ponteland
1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., Wednesday 29 November, Hexham Leisure Centre, Hexham
Anyone with special requirements wishing to attend one of the events can call in advance on 01670 622742 or emailSusan.Caisley@northumberland.
Alternatively the consultation questionnaire can be completed online by visiting www.northumberland.gov.uk/