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SEND reforms

The government is changing the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

We have been planning how we will apply the changes in Lancashire. This includes our SEND Reform Plan, which we have submitted as part of the national SEND reform programme.

We're also planning a new offer called Experts at Hand, starting from September 2026. This offer will bring specialists into schools, early years and post-16 education settings.

SEND Reform Plan

Partners from education, health, social care and parent carer groups developed a new SEND Reform Plan.

The plan explains how we will improve services. It aims to make it easier for children and young people get the right support at the right time.

The plan aims to create a SEND system where:

  • children and young people’s needs are identified earlier

  • families can access support more easily

  • schools and settings get the support they need to meet children’s needs

  • children and young people can get help closer to home

  • services work better together

  • families have more confidence in the support available

Experts at Hand

Experts at Hand is a new service, starting from September 2026. It is an important part of the SEND Reform Plan.

It will help schools and settings get specialist advice and support earlier. This means schools can get help before difficulties get worse.

Schools and settings will be able to work more closely with specialists. They'll be able to access advice, training and support when they need it.

Experts at Hand will bring together professionals such as:

  • educational psychologists

  • speech and language therapists

  • occupational therapists

  • specialist teachers

  • mental health support teams

  • special school outreach services

Over time, families should see:

  • more support available before a child needs an education, health and care plan (EHCP)

  • better coordination between education, health and care services

  • more consistent support across Lancashire

  • better access to specialist advice through schools and settings

  • more focus on helping children succeed in their local community and school where possible

Experts at Hand is an extra service. It does not replace any support your child already receives, including support set out in an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

Lancashire Experts at Hand model

Experts at Hand is a national offer, but each area will focus on the services most needed locally.

We're developing the Experts at Hand model for Lancashire together with schools, health partners, children, young people and families.

We'll continue to update you and let you know how you can get involved.