The SEN Local Offer is a vital resource developed by local authorities in England to provide clear, comprehensive, and accessible information about the services and support available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Its primary purpose is to help families understand the range of help they can access in their area, how to access it, and what to expect from the services provided. It promotes transparency, accountability, and informed choice, helping parents and carers navigate the often complex world of SEND provision.
Introduced as part of the Children and Families Act 2014, the Local Offer is a statutory requirement under the SEN Code of Practice. Every local authority must publish and regularly update its Local Offer, ensuring it reflects the needs of children and young people from birth to age 25 with SEND. The content is developed in partnership with families, schools, health services, and other relevant agencies to ensure it meets the needs of the community it serves.
The Local Offer typically includes information on a wide range of topics such as:
Education: Details of early years settings, mainstream schools, special schools, and post-16 provision, including how they support children with SEND.
Health and social care: Access to services like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health support, and respite care.
Training and employment: Support available for young people as they transition into adulthood, including supported internships and apprenticeships.
Transport: Information on travel assistance to and from educational settings for children with SEND.
Parental support: Details of local support groups, parent carer forums, advocacy services, and advice services.
One of the key features of the Local Offer is co-production—the process by which parents, carers, and young people are actively involved in shaping and reviewing the services offered. This ensures the offer reflects real experiences, concerns, and priorities of those who use the services.
The Local Offer plays a critical role in promoting early intervention and joined-up services. By clearly setting out what support is available and how to access it, it can help identify needs at an earlier stage and ensure children and young people receive timely and appropriate help. It also encourages better collaboration between education, health, and social care services.
Furthermore, the Local Offer empowers families by giving them a voice. It helps reduce the stress of seeking support and enables parents and carers to make informed choices about their child’s care and education. It also sets expectations for service quality, making it easier to hold providers accountable.
In summary, the SEN Local Offer is not just a directory of services—it is a key tool in promoting equity, inclusion, and empowerment for children and young people with SEND and their families. It reflects a commitment to transparency, partnership working, and high-quality, person-centred provision.