Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the Rotherham Local SEND Reform Plan 2026–2029 and the Council’s role in its delivery.

2.    Endorse the strategic direction of travel towards earlier identification and intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion, increased local provision and a mature multi-agency Experts at Hand model.

3.    Note the first-year delivery plan and associated performance, governance and risk-management arrangements set out within the Local SEND Reform Plan.

4.    Note the financial strategy underpinning reform, including the 2026/27 Schools Block to High Needs Block transfer of 0.5%, equivalent to £1.3m, and the alignment of high-needs capital investment to mainstream accessibility, inclusion bases, specialist provision, and alternative provision.