Wolverhampton's SEND plans for schools open for consultation

Wolverhampton City Council has launched a public consultation on a School Accessibility Strategy for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the consultation runs until 22 February.

A public consultation has begun on proposed changes to services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton. The city council is asking children and young people, parents and carers, and education and health professionals for feedback to help shape a new School Accessibility Strategy. The council says the strategy will explain how schools will improve access to education and support inclusive practice across settings. The consultation is open until 22 February. Key details: - The consultation seeks input from children and young people, parents and carers, and education and health professionals. - The School Accessibility Strategy is intended to set out how schools will improve access and support inclusive practice. - The consultation period runs until 22 February. - Under the Equality Act 2010, councils must have an accessibility strategy for the maintained schools they are responsible for. - The council has also invited parents and carers to contribute to the government's national conversation on SEND services ahead of planned reforms. - A delayed White Paper on SEND improvements is due to be published in 2026, with a national public consultation planned after its publication. Summary: The consultation is intended to inform the final School Accessibility Strategy so it reflects local needs and aspirations. Responses received during the consultation will be considered by the council as it develops the strategy. The White Paper on SEND improvements is expected in 2026 and will be followed by a national consultation.