Council to assemble expert teams in SEND support for children and young people
ROTHERHAM Council have announced their plan to implement the new Experts at Hand (EAH) government model to further support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
In early June, the government announced their Experts at Hand (EAH) grant programme of £1.8 billion funding to be allocated to local authorities over three years, with £429 million being allocated within the first year across the country.
The funding allows for local authorities to work in partnership with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to deliver a new offer for mainstream education settings to help meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) more effectively.
It will be used in addition to existing services and does not replace statutory duties or EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) support.
The programme will benefit children and young people aged 0 to 25 across early years, primary, secondary, and further education (FE) colleges.
Delivery of the EAH model will be through teams including psychologists, specialist teachers, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists, who will work together to provide education-focused support.
The new model being consultation-based, time-limited and actively monitored will avoid it becoming just another referral system.
It is expected to contribute to schools meeting the needs of children with SEND support, improved attendance and inclusion, and greater confidence among families who feel that support can be secured for their children early.
This government and local authority action presents a shift from managing pressure in the SEND system to shaping demand through early intervention which is better supported long-term.