West Berkshire Council has sent a draft SEND reform plan to the Department for Education. It says EHCP demand jumped 68% from February to March and that reforms aim to build a better local system, but no benefits can be realised unless the high needs block deficit of £27m is written off.
The council warns it is in a high-risk financial position, with overspends expected over the next two years and current reform funding not enough to meet rising demand and costs.
Key proposals include spotting needs earlier and offering more support without always needing a statutory EHCP, boosting mainstream inclusion, and keeping specialist help available when required.
It wants to shift from reactive, statutory-led support to a preventative system, with earlier specialist help through 'experts at hand', better place planning, and stronger governance and co-production.
The draft is with the Department for Education and the final plan is due by 16 June.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
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