Barnet Council’s plan to reform services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) has received government approval.
The plan aims to strengthen support through earlier intervention, greater inclusion in mainstream education and improved outcomes, while building families’ confidence in services and ensuring financial sustainability.
Children and young people, parents and carers, schools, education settings and partner organisations are central to the proposals, the council said.
According to council figures, Barnet had 8,300 pupils with SEND as of April 2026, including 5,044 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, cabinet member for Family Friendly Barnet, said: “We are delighted that our SEND and AP Reform Plan has now been approved, marking an important milestone as we move forward into implementation.
“We are now progressing the actions within the plan and working collaboratively across the local area to translate our priorities into meaningful change.”
She said the plan would continue to evolve as national SEND guidance, policy and legislation developed.
According to the council, the Department for Education recognised the plan’s understanding of local needs and its focus on inclusion, earlier intervention, outcomes for young people and financial sustainability.
The council said it would continue working with local communities to review priorities and ensure resources and services were directed where they could make the greatest difference.
A summary of the plan is available on the Barnet Local Offer website.
Source: Barnet Council.
Picture caption: Hendon Town Hall.