Launch of the SEND and Alternative Provision strategy 2025 to 2030

Launch of the SEND and Alternative Provision strategy 2025 to 2030

Julia Lumb talks about the support the Early Years and Portage Team provide to children, families and settings.

 

Summarised video transcript

Julia Lumb leads the Early Years SEND and Portage Team, supporting children from birth to the end of Reception (under age 5). The team focuses on early identification and intervention for children with developmental delays and SEND.

Current Reception Cohort

  • 335 children supported in Reception this year.
  • 185 children have EHCPs.
  • 40–45 children placed in specialist schools.
  • Many children have:
    • Communication and interaction difficulties
    • Cognition and learning needs
    • Sensory needs
    • SEMH (social, emotional, mental health) challenges

Response to Placement Challenges

  • Some children didn’t receive specialist placements last year.
  • The team supported 33 children directly in mainstream schools with:
    • Weekly staff visits
    • Upskilling teachers and support staff
    • Building confidence and capacity

Impact

  • Many children successfully completed Reception.
  • Some will remain in Reception for Year 1.
  • 56 schools supported this year.
  • Schools are developing differentiated classrooms and additional provisions (e.g., Withinfields, Ash Green, Whitehill).

Early Identification & Portage Model

  • Portage model offers home-based support for children not in settings.
  • Focus on early intervention and family partnership.
  • Barriers to accessing inclusive provision still exist; team works to address these.

Future Planning

  • 300 children on the live caseload for next year’s Reception.
  • 111 EHCPs already in place.
  • 130 children diagnosed or on the autism pathway.
  • 213 children on the caseload for 2026 starters (only 11 EHCPs so far).

Training & Inclusion Initiatives

  • Dingley’s Promise inclusion project (Comic Relief funded):
    • Calderdale ranks 3rd nationally for inclusion achievements.
    • 7 schools have received the inclusion kite mark.
    • 1,800+ practitioners trained.
    • Training open to parents, childminders, and early years providers.
  • Upcoming launch of Mainstream Inclusion Calderdale – Early Years on 10 October.
    • Co-produced guidance for families and settings.
    • Focus on what good inclusive practice looks like.

Additional Training & Support

  • Intensive Interaction and Makaton training offered regularly.
  • Collaboration with family hubs, now recommissioned.
  • Plans to deliver services locally to reduce travel barriers for families.

Referral & Access

  • Referrals accepted from parents and professionals.
  • Emphasis on early referral to reduce stress and improve outcomes.
  • Collaboration with neonatal teams to support children from birth.

Closing Message

Julia emphasizes the importance of early intervention, collaboration, and inclusive practices to ensure children transition smoothly into education and thrive.