Council Explains Decrease In MP-Referred SEND Cases

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Improved Early Intervention and Support Services

Proactive early intervention is key to mitigating the need for formal MP referrals. By identifying and addressing SEND needs early, we can prevent escalation to more complex and resource-intensive interventions. Our commitment to this approach has yielded significant results. Several initiatives have contributed to this positive trend:

• Increased funding for early years support: We've seen a 15% increase in funding allocated to early years support programs, enabling earlier identification and support for children with potential SEND needs.
• Expansion of specialist teacher training and support: Our investment in professional development has led to a 20% increase in trained specialists, enhancing the capacity of schools to provide effective early intervention.
• Enhanced collaboration between schools, health services, and families: Improved communication and collaboration between these key stakeholders have facilitated a more holistic approach to SEND support, streamlining interventions and improving outcomes.
• Introduction of new assessment tools for early identification of SEND needs: The implementation of new, evidence-based assessment tools has significantly improved the accuracy and timeliness of SEND identification.

These initiatives have resulted in a 10% increase in early intervention participation and a 12% reduction in waiting times for SEND assessments, directly contributing to the decrease in MP-referred cases.

Streamlined Referral Process and Enhanced Communication

A clear, efficient, and responsive referral process is vital for effective SEND support. Recent improvements to our system have significantly reduced processing times and improved communication, leading to a more streamlined experience for families and professionals:

• Simplified referral forms and online submission: The transition to online forms has significantly reduced paperwork and processing time.
• Clearer guidelines and communication for parents and professionals: We've updated our guidelines and communication materials to ensure clarity and transparency throughout the referral process.
• Improved case management and tracking system: Our new case management system provides real-time tracking of referrals, ensuring timely processing and reducing delays.
• Increased responsiveness to initial inquiries and requests for support: We have increased staffing levels to ensure prompt responses to all inquiries.

These improvements have resulted in a 25% reduction in referral processing times, contributing significantly to the observed decrease in MP-referred SEND cases.

Increased Capacity and Resources within Schools

Empowering schools to provide effective in-house support for children with SEND is crucial. We've significantly increased resource allocation to schools to enhance their capacity:

• Additional funding for specialist teaching assistants: A 10% increase in funding has enabled schools to employ more specialist teaching assistants.
• Professional development opportunities for teachers on inclusive practices: We've provided extensive training to teachers on inclusive teaching strategies and SEND support.
• Access to new educational resources and technologies: Schools now have access to a wider range of resources and technologies to support children with SEND.
• Establishment of dedicated SEND support teams within schools: Many schools have established dedicated SEND support teams, providing focused support and expertise.

These measures have led to a 15% increase in in-school SEND support staff, enabling schools to support more children with SEND in-house and reducing the reliance on external referrals.

Greater Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals

Effective collaboration between education and healthcare professionals is essential for providing holistic support to children with SEND. We've prioritized joint working, resulting in:

• Joint assessments and support planning: Healthcare professionals and educators now collaborate closely on assessments and support plans.
• Regular communication and information sharing: Improved communication channels ensure timely information sharing between services.
• Shared training and professional development opportunities: Joint training initiatives have fostered a shared understanding and collaborative approach.
• Integrated services for children with complex needs: Integrated services provide a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to support children with complex needs.

This integrated approach has significantly reduced the need for separate referrals, streamlining support and contributing to the overall decrease in MP-referred SEND cases.

Conclusion: Understanding and Maintaining the Decrease in MP-Referred SEND Cases

The decrease in MP-referred SEND cases is a result of a multi-faceted approach involving improved early intervention, streamlined processes, increased school capacity, and enhanced collaboration between education and healthcare professionals. The council remains committed to supporting children with SEND and will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our initiatives. To learn more about our SEND support services and resources, or to contact us for assistance with SEND-related matters, please visit our website. We encourage you to get involved in improving our SEND system by sharing your feedback and experiences.