A MAJOR SEND reform plan has been approved by government.
Wigan Council’s SEND reform plan, aimed at improving support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), was approved by the government.
The plan was developed through a national process requiring local authorities to outline improvements to SEND services, with a focus on inclusion and sustainable support for families.
Cllr Laura Flynn, cabinet member for children and families at Wigan Council, said: "We're delighted that the Government has approved our SEND Reform Plan.
"This is a significant milestone for our partnership and recognition of the work already underway across education, health and care to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND."
Over 13,000 children and young people in Wigan have been identified as having SEND, and the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen by more than 40 per cent in just over two years.
The approved plan outlines long-term improvements, including stronger support within mainstream schools, better access to specialist advice, smoother transitions between educational settings, and a renewed emphasis on meeting children’s needs locally.
It also aims to reduce exclusions, improve attendance, and cut delays in SEND processes.
Cllr Flynn said: "Families, children and young people have helped shape this plan every step of the way.
"Their feedback has been invaluable in helping us understand what matters most and where we should focus our efforts."
Approval of the plan unlocks access to the Government’s High Needs Stability Grant, which will provide Wigan with an estimated £23.4 million to address around 90 per cent of its historic High Needs deficit.
This funding will support lasting improvements to SEND services across the borough.
Implementation of the first phase will focus on earlier intervention, stronger mainstream support, improved SEND processes, and broader inclusive provision.
Cllr Flynn said: "This is a long-term journey of improvement and reform, and we are committed to continuing to listen, learn, and evolve alongside children, young people, families, schools and partners.
"By working together, we can build on our strengths, address the challenges ahead, and ensure every child and young person with SEND has the opportunity to thrive."
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