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SEND Provision Plan 2026-29

We want to achieve a clearer, fairer and more inclusive SEND system for every child in Hertfordshire.

Our proposed SEND Provision Plan - developed with families, schools, health partners and over 400 children and young people - includes a stronger focus on early help and enhances the support available through mainstream schools. It will also deliver one of the largest expansions of specialist SEND places in Hertfordshire history. We’re investing £140 million to create 1,150 new specialist places by 2029.

Here we set out the key elements of our SEND Provision Plan and encourage you to take part in the consultation to help shape how SEND provision develops across Hertfordshire.

Download the full SEND Provision Plan (pdf 4.94MB)

Our consultation on the SEND Provision Plan will open on Monday 23 March.

We will share the survey links on this page so that you can have your say.

What is in the SEND Provision Plan? 

 There are 5 key elements underpinning the SEND Provision Plan. We aim to: 

1. Strengthen inclusion in schools and early years settings

This means clear guidance, practical strategies, and help from specialist teams when needed. We will agree clear expectations for inclusive practice and embed ‘Ordinarily Available Provision’ in every school.  We will work with our partners to strengthen the SEND workforce, supporting recruitment, and training, and embedding fairness and consistency across all schools. 

2.  Expand specialist capacity in mainstream schools

Children and young people will feel more welcome and supported in their local communities. At least 650 new places will be created in Specialist Resource Provisions and SEND Units by 2029, giving children and young people with complex and wide-ranging needs access to tailored support whilst staying connected to their peers and local communities.

3. Create more special school places

Up to 500 new special school places will be created by 2029 for children with the most complex needs and co-occurring needs. This ensures those children and young people who need the highest level of support can access it locally

4. Update special school designations

We are proposing to revise some special school designations so they reflect the growing complexity and co-occurring needs of children and young people.  We will support special schools with this change to make sure staff feel confident, well‑trained and fully supported to meet a wider range of needs.  

5. Create a more personalised, child-centred approach

We will continue to make placement decisions by focusing on each child’s needs and strengths, with professionals agreeing the setting that can support them well. We will move away from the existing admissions guidance so decisions are more individualised and child‑centred, supported by clear, transparent information. 

 

Shaped by families, young people and professionals

Families, schools, health partners and the council have all played a vital part in shaping this plan, and it reflects what people have told us matters most. The plan has already been shaped by over 400 young people, 44 multi‑agency workshops, surveys with parent carers, professionals and children, local community events and the SEND Summit.

What children and young people told us:

  • They want help earlier and closer to home. 
  • They want to feel understood and included in their school community. 

What families told us:

  • They want clearer information and simpler pathways. 
  • They want confidence that mainstream schools can meet needs consistently. 

What schools told us:

  • They want clarity, confidence and accessible support from specialist 

We want your views on the plan

Now we want to hear from you again so we can refine and improve the final plan.

Online survey

We will be sharing links to our online survey on Monday 23 March.  There will be a survey for young people too so that they can share their views on the provision plan. 

Need help or a paper copy?

Email: SENDStrategy@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Phone: 07583 038259
An interpreting service is available if required.

Consultation events

We will be holding some in-person consultation events around the county, as well as online webinars.  We'll share details of these on this page, and will be promoting them through our facebook page and SEND newsletter.