Oxfordshire is preparing for a significant shift in how support is delivered to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as new reform proposals were discussed by cabinet members at Oxfordshire County Council on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
The plans form part of a wider national reform programme following the publication of the Schools White Paper “Every child achieving and thriving” and the SEND consultation “Putting children and young people first”. Local authorities across England are required to submit their SEND reform plans to the Department for Education by 19 June 2026.
Oxfordshire’s approach aims to build on recent progress already recognised by Ofsted, which highlighted improvements in SEND services across the county, including stronger joint commissioning between partners and reduced waiting times for key support services.
At the heart of the proposals is a shift towards earlier, more localised intervention. The council is proposing a model that strengthens inclusion within mainstream schools, expands access to specialist support, and improves coordination between education, health, and family services.
Key elements of the plan include recruiting additional educational psychologists and therapists, establishing inclusion support bases within communities, and developing more responsive local support services for families. The ambition is to ensure that children receive the right help at the right time, without unnecessary delays or escalation to specialist provision where it may not be needed.
The system-wide approach is expected to be developed over the next three years and is structured around four core priorities: earlier intervention in mainstream settings, improved access to universal and targeted support, a needs-led model focused on outcomes, and stronger partnership working across all services.
A significant feature of the plan is its emphasis on collaboration. Workshops have already been held with schools, health professionals, and the Oxfordshire Parent Carer Forum, ensuring that lived experience and frontline insight have helped shape the proposals.
The wider SEND partnership also includes NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, alongside education and professional leads.
Councillor Sean Gaul, said the proposals represent a vital step forward in creating a more inclusive and sustainable SEND system.
He said: “Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive whatever their circumstances and this plan sets out how we will deliver better, more inclusive support for children and young people with SEND. We are working closely with partners and with families, children and young people who are at the heart of the SEND system.
“It’s a vital step towards improving outcomes while making sure our services are sustainable for the future.”
If approved and implemented, Oxfordshire County Council would also become eligible for a high needs stability grant, which could cover up to 90 per cent of the dedicated schools grant deficit—offering potential financial relief alongside service reform.
While the proposals signal a clear strategic direction, the council has stressed that progress will be closely monitored over time. Regular updates are expected to ensure that the reforms deliver measurable improvements in outcomes for children and young people across Oxfordshire.
The plans reflect a broader national push towards reforming SEND provision, but locally they also respond to increasing demand pressures and the need for a more joined-up, preventative model of support. For Oxfordshire, the challenge now will be turning ambition into consistent, accessible support for families across the county.
