Recently a landmark event brought together families, educators, and professionals to celebrate the remarkable progress made through a multi-year initiative to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The event marked a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward a more inclusive, responsive, and collaborative SEND system.
In 2021, North East Lincolnshire Council successfully bid to join the Department for Education’s national Delivering Better Value (DBV) in SEND programme.
Over the past three years, the Local Authority has worked hand-in-hand with schools, services, families, and local and regional partners to reshape the local SEND landscape.
Key outcomes include increased confidence among parents and carers in the support available for their children, stronger, more collaborative relationships between educational settings and the Local Authority, enhanced training, resources, and practical guidance tailored to the needs of learners and a growing network of professionals committed to inclusive practice.
The event opened with a heartwarming joint performance by the Littlecoates Makaton Choir and the Sunflowers Sing and Sign Choir—the first time the two groups have performed together. Their energetic and inclusive rendition of a fruit-themed song had the entire audience signing along to “mango,” “kiwi,” “banana,” and “grapes,” creating a joyful harmony that set the tone for the day.
The success of Delivering Better Value in SEND was highlighted by key speakers from our educational settings.
One representative said, “DBV gave us structure, purpose, and access to great minds—from LA and SEND specialists to national partners like the NAS and LEARN SEND Hub. Inclusion is now foundational to our school improvement strategy.”
Positive outcomes for this academy trust included:
- Curriculum planning and CPD designed through a SEND lens
- Inclusion embedded in strategic plans
- A cultural shift in language, values, and practice
- Increased teacher confidence in adaptive teaching
Speakers at the event included:
- Positive Regard
- PINS (Partnership for Inclusion and Neurodiversity in Schools) announced its expansion to four additional schools following a successful pilot year
- SEND Teach Learn Hub supported schools with audits, action plans, and training
- North East Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum (NELPCF) celebrated their presence in all 61 primary schools and numerous secondary schools, offering free events and peer support for families
- New Options, speech and language showcased their effective and innovative intervention with students
- Launchpad at Littlecoates Primary Academy, the first of a growing number of Resource Specialist Provisions shared how their practice helped learners to flourish
- Dr. Louise Jarvis, Principal Educational Psychologist spoke on adaptive teaching, ELSA training, and emotion coaching—tools now embedded in many local settings
Councillor Margaret Cracknell Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People said, “The foundations laid through the DBV programme have created a robust, collaborative, and forward-thinking SEND system in North East Lincolnshire.
“With strengthened relationships, increased awareness, and a shared vision, the region is poised for continued growth and innovation.”
Rebecca Wright, Head of SEND and Inclusion at North East Lincolnshire Council said, “This is just the beginning. We’re building a future where every child and young person with SEND can thrive.”
The impact of Delivering Better Value in SEND will continue to be shared for another year as additional projects continue to take this success further, including an additional speech and language offer, enhanced Early Years offer, targeted SEND Outreach Support, increase in specialist placements and more.
Check the SEND Local Offer for more news, NELC SEND Local Offer | North East Lincolnshire Special Educational Needs & Disability.
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