Views sought on city's SEND plans for schools

A public consultation has begun on changes and improvements to services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Wolverhampton.

The city council said it wanted feedback from children and young people, parents and carers, education and health professionals to help shape its new School Accessibility Strategy.

It will set out how schools will improve access to education and aims to support inclusive practice across all settings, the council said. The consultation runs until 22 February.

"We want to hear directly from families, professionals, and the young people themselves to make sure this strategy is practical, inclusive, and truly reflects the aspirations of our community," said councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education.

The council said "feedback is vital" to ensure the final strategy reflected the needs and aspirations of young people and their families.

Under the Equality Act 2010, councils must implement an accessibility strategy for the maintained schools they are responsible for.

The council also recently asked parents and carers in the city to contribute to the government's "national conversation" on SEND services ahead of reforms being set out later this year.

A delayed White Paper on SEND improvements is due to be published in 2026 with a public consultation planned after that.

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