This reminder in from the council, in their own words. Ed
People have until 31 May to have their say on new proposals to improve schooling for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on the Isle of Wight.
A consultation was launched by the Isle of Wight Council on 20 April to gather views on its plans that address all aspects of SEND education.
Greater parental involvement
Proposals include greater parental involvement in every aspect of the service, plans to reduce the number of students who have to travel off the Island to receive appropriate education and care, building on existing SEND special school provision and plans to identify children’s needs at an earlier stage to ensure children receive help as soon as possible.
Since the start of the consultation almost 40 people have commented on the proposals. A number of public meetings took place at the end of April and beginning of May to provide parents, carers, school staff and SEND pupils with the opportunity to find out more about what is being proposed and put questions to council staff.
Complete the online survey
Anyone who has not already done so is encouraged to visit the dedicated web page on www.iwight.com which contains key documents and an online survey. Views can also be submitted via email.
Cllr Dawn Cousins, the IW Council cabinet member responsible for SEND provision, said: “I would urge anyone with an interest in children’s special educational needs and disabilities on the Island to take a look at the changes we are proposing to make and tell us what they think.
“One of the key aspects we are trying to achieve is to increase the number of children we can provide for here on the Island. Another important aim is to increase the involvement of parents in the way their children are educated and we hope to start that process by engaging parents through this consultation.”
The results of the consultation will be assessed and the council’s cabinet will discuss the new approach at its meeting in July with a view to implementation in September.
