Welcome to the final Together before the Easter break. I hope you all manage to take some well-deserved rest before we move into the summer term, which I know brings exams, transition days and a huge amount of preparation and hard work.
We're awaiting the detail of the funding, but it is will likely be attached to specialist resource bases and school based alternative provision, which we are continuing to develop through our own programme. We're still awaiting news on the two new specials schools agreed at Downham Market and Great Yarmouth - which are an important part of our plans to develop more places in Norfolk.
As this term comes to an end, we wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their attendance at all the ZIP launches. We have had really strong attendance and want to acknowledge everyone for committing their time and energy to supporting these events. We have gathered numerous ideas from these sessions and will incorporate them into shaping future meetings based on what is happening in your locality and what matters to you.
We have also started our Team around the School meetings and appreciate everyone's participation. We will continue refining our approach based on the feedback from schools that have experienced them and as we transition the EPSS service to a non-traded model and move away from core consultations.
Finally, I also want to say thanks to Louise McLeod from the Halycon Federation, for her interview with Women's Hour yesterday. Louise spoke passionately about the challenges we are seeing in Norfolk and nationally, and positively about the way we are working together in Norfolk through our zones and how we are seeking to understand children's individual needs so that we can put in place the right support at the earliest point in time. Well done Louise it's a big gig to speak on Woman's Hour!
Thanks
Sara Tough OBE
Executive Director of Children's Services Norfolk County Council Chair of the Children and Young People Strategic Alliance
Previous Issues
Tuesday 1 April 2025
An update on extra capital investment for special educational needs and disabilities in mainstream schools and Team around the School meetings
A welcome to the new look e-courier / Together blog. Including updates on Local Government Reorganisation, SEND Survey and Local First Inclusion including Element 3 funding guidance
Including an Introduction to Jane Hayman, Joint Targeted Area Inspection entering final week, Local First Inclusion update, Inclusion Summit, SEND Bulletin update and School and community teams - supporting inclusion
