New Contract Awarded to Boost SEND Support in Cornwall Schools

In a significant move to enhance the support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Cornwall, the Special Partnership Trust (SPT) has been selected by Cornwall Council to elevate the SEND expertise among staff in mainstream schools throughout the county. This collaboration is set to revolutionise the way educational support is delivered, focusing on inclusivity and practical, therapeutic strategies.

The SPT is poised to deploy a cadre of Specialist SEND advisors dedicated to offering hands-on assistance to educators in mainstream settings. Their mission is to bolster Quality First Teaching methodologies and nurture an environment of whole school inclusive education. This comprehensive support framework will encompass direct engagement, the showcasing of effective inclusion tactics, and the provision of a specialist SEND advice hotline.

Key aspects of the program include facilitating access to expert advice and support for professionals, enabling them to enhance their understanding and efficacy in addressing SEND. The initiative aims to ensure that identification and support for SEND needs occur as early as possible, thereby improving the timeliness and appropriateness of interventions. Additionally, the effort will contribute valuable insights and data regarding the SEND requirements of children and young people within the community.

This development was spurred by feedback gathered during a series of discussions with leaders from various sectors, including health, social care, and education. Stakeholders highlighted a critical need for more specialised support directly within classroom settings to aid educators and, ultimately, the students they serve.

Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, expressed enthusiasm about the project, which is financed through the Department for Education’s Delivering Better Value Programme. Ellenbroek underscored the anticipated benefits, noting that the enhanced SEND competencies among school staff are expected to lead to improved educational experiences and outcomes for children and young people.

Guy Chappell, CEO of the Special Partnership Trust, also shared his optimism regarding the partnership’s potential impact on the educational landscape in Cornwall. “We’re delighted to be working alongside Cornwall Council to deliver this service and we know it will have a tangible impact both on teachers and young people across the County,” he remarked.
Funded until March 2025, this project marks a pivotal step towards enriching the educational journey for students with SEND in Cornwall, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment across the county’s schools.