Here in Barking and Dagenham, we will continue our efforts in open communication and collaboration with children and young people, parents, schools, health services, and other stakeholders. Our aim is to develop a shared vision that promotes inclusive and high-quality support for all. We recognise the outstanding efforts our schools are already making to assist children and young people with SEND. To build on this success, we are committed to enhancing our learning culture by sharing effective practices that contribute to the long-term outcomes for all children and young people in our community.
Effective Practice Case Study on Developing Local Schools for Children in Barking and Dagenham
We are excited to share that our Education Team and schools have been featured in the recent newsletter of What works in SEND (WWiS) programme1.
Full report download: Effective Practice Case Study on Developing Local Schools for Children in Barking and Dagenham
Since the project began in 2013/14, we have witnessed a remarkable growth in the expertise available in mainstream schools, alongside strong partnerships, trust and confidence among schools, local authorities, parents and key stakeholders like the NHS and community organisations. We are committed to ongoing conversation and collaboration as we embrace new challenges and opportunities in the SEND reform journey. Our local schools stand as beacons of hope and excellence for our children, and we pledge our dedication to inclusion for all.
‘The project has been able to demonstrate impact on the quality of provision on offer for children and young people with SEND, and benefits in terms of the lived experience of children and young people and their families, as more are able to be educated locally with their peers and in their communities.’
What was the impact?
- Mainstream schools have the skills and capacity to meet a greater range of children and young people’s needs.
- More children and young people placed successfully in local schools.
- Better management of high needs block expenditure with more invested in growing capacity in Barking and Dagenham’s schools.
What were they key actions and practices involved?
- Creating a borough-wide consensus on the need for change, underpinned by a shared commitment to inclusion.
- Developing the capacity and skills of mainstream schools to support children with a diversity of needs.
- Commissioning and quality assuring local provision
- Creating clearer shared oversight of high needs block expenditure
Finding out more
Contact to find out more | Martin Nicholson – Virtual Headteacher of SEND: martin.nicholson@lbbd.gov.uk |
Useful resources and links | Additionally Resourced SEND Provision in Mainstream Schools (ARPs) – guidance for parents, carers and school professionals
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1WWiS is led by the University of Warwick research team and delivered in collaboration with colleagues in the Research and Improvement for SEND Excellence (RISE) Partnership, the National Development Team for inclusion (NDTi), specifically ISOS Partnership and Council for Disabled Children (CDC).
Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Conference
SEND Local Offer kicked off 2026 with an abundance of learning and growth opportunities. In January, we took part in a valuable Early Years Speech, Language & Communication Conference to empowering early years professionals.
Together, we explored innovative ways to identify, support and nurture communication skills in our youngest children. Laura Henry-Allian MBE, educationalist, consultant, award-winning international producer, storyteller, and as our keynote speaker, provided insightful perspectives that set the stage for a productive day. The event featured a series of hands-on workshops and activities [link to agenda PDF attached] led by professionals from Early Years and Childcare Team, NHS NELFT, Family Hubs Best Start in Life Team, the Boathouse Studios, and People Learning Together (PEEP).
This day was rich in inspiring presentations and networking opportunities, uniting connections among early years professionals. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for the active engagement and participation, as well to our Early Years and Childcare Team and the Family Hubs Best Start in Life Team for their exceptional organisation.
Contact to find out more:
Joy Barter – Head of Service (Early Years and Childcare, Education) joy.barter@lbbd.gov.uk
Julia Bleet – Start for Life and Family Hubs Programme Development Manager (Public Health) julia.bleet@lbbd.gov.uk
Just Say and BDSIP Parent Training: Understanding, Supporting & Safeguarding Autism & Adolescence
In February, SEND Local Offer participated in Just Say Open Forum which was also a parent training session focused on understanding adolescence in autistic young people. What a privilege it has been for SEND Local Offer to gain insights from our BDSIP colleague and Just Say parents.
The knowledge combined with the real-life experiences shared have been invaluable. The strategies and insights provided by Rebecca Mawson, BDSIP Inclusion Adviser for Autism and Complex Needs, along with the facilitation from Jaime Porstendorfer, Chair of Just Say Forum, encouraged us to reflect on our emotional and wellbeing readiness in supporting our autistic children and young people. Presentation download [PDF attached].
This session embodied the essence of learning to learn and learning to support. Attendees openly shared their experiences and feelings which allowed us to deepen our understanding of our own needs and situations, before effectively supporting our children. We gained greater awareness of our well-being, behaviours, shutdowns, meltdowns – that are essential for helping both our children and ourselves.
A heartfelt thank you to Just Say and BDSIP for providing us with the knowledge and skills to nurture our children at various stages and also enhance our wellbeing as parents.
Contact to find out more
Rebecca Mawson – BDSIP Inclusion Advisor for Autism and Complex Needs rebecca.mawson@bdsip.co.uk
Just Say Parent Carer Forum – 07936 851199 / justsaybdforum@gmail.com
