Supporting Children with SEND

As the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support grows, so does the pressure on local authorities to provide adequate care. Despite increased government funding, the system is stretched. Here at ACCA, we recognise these challenges and offer crucial support.

Understanding the SEND Landscape

The rise in the number of children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) has significantly impacted local authorities. Many struggle with increased costs and long delays in providing assessments, leaving families waiting for critical support. We offer timely, comprehensive assessments at ACCA to address this growing demand.

Expert Assessments

Our team of Independent Social Workers (ISWs) delivers in-depth, evidence-based assessments that consider the child’s holistic needs. We specialise in providing local authorities with a thorough understanding of each child’s requirements. By doing so, we aim to expedite the process and ensure that children receive the proper support as soon as possible.

Supporting Local Authorities and Families

The financial strain on local authorities is an ongoing issue, with many facing budget deficits in their high-needs funding. Our services help ease these pressures by streamlining the assessment process and identifying the most cost-effective support plans. Families also benefit from our quick response times, avoiding the delays often seen in the current system.

Addressing the Funding Gap

Despite government funding reaching ￡11.9 billion for 2025/26, the rise in pupils with EHCPs has outpaced available resources. This funding shortfall means many councils struggle to meet their statutory obligations. By working with ACCA, local authorities can manage their budgets more efficiently while providing high-quality care for children with SEND.

A Collaborative Approach

We believe in a multi-agency approach. Our ISWs collaborate with families, schools, healthcare professionals, and local authorities to ensure that every assessment is comprehensive and tailored to each child’s needs. This ensures that EHCPs accurately reflect the support required, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming tribunal appeals.

Conclusion

As the SEND system faces unprecedented challenges, we support local authorities and families in providing high-quality, timely assessments. Our expertise helps alleviate financial strain while ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the care they deserve.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist in navigating the complexities of the SEND system.