Navigating Gloucestershire SEND Pathways: A Guide to Support for Families
For families with children or young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), understanding the support available in Gloucestershire is key to unlocking their potential. The county offers a clear seven-stage process to ensure that every child and family receives the help they need at the right time. Here’s an overview of the Gloucestershire SEND pathway and how it can help you.
Stage 1: The Local Offer
Every family’s SEND journey begins with the Local Offer. This is a comprehensive online resource that provides information about the services, support, and opportunities available for children and young people with SEND in Gloucestershire.
What it includes:
o Education, health, and care services.
o Social and leisure activities.
o Support for parents and carers.
You can explore the Local Offer to discover resources tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Stage 2: My Plan
When a child or young person needs additional support that goes beyond what is typically
provided in schools or settings, a My Plan is created.
o What it is: A personalised document outlining the child’s needs, strengths, and specific goals.
o Who creates it: Parents, school staff, and other professionals collaborate to design effective strategies and interventions.
Regular reviews ensure the plan evolves as the child’s needs change.
Stage 3: My Assessment and My Plan+
If the support provided through a My Plan isn’t enough, the process may move to My
Assessment and My Plan+.
o My Assessment: Involves input from multiple agencies across education, health,
and care to develop a holistic understanding of the child’s needs.
o My Plan+: A more detailed and integrated plan that coordinates support from various
services.
This stage is designed for children and young people whose needs are more complex.
Stage 4: Request for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
When the My Plan+ still doesn’t fully meet a child’s needs, a request for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) can be made.
o Who can request it: Parents, schools, or the young person themselves (if over 16).
o What happens next:
o The Local Authority (LA) evaluates whether the child’s needs meet the criteria for an EHCP.
o If approved, the process moves to the next stage.
Stage 5: My Story
A key part of the EHCP process is capturing the child’s or young person’s journey in the My
Story section.
What it includes:
o The child’s aspirations, strengths, and challenges.
o The family’s perspective on their needs and goals.
This personalised narrative ensures that the EHCP reflects the unique experiences and aspirations of the child and their family.
Stage 6: My EHC Plan
If the child is eligible, an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is created.
What it does:
o Outlines the child’s needs.
o Specifies the support required from education, health, and care services.
o Sets clear goals and outcomes.
This legally binding document ensures the child receives the tailored support they need to thrive.
Stage 7: My Review
The final stage in the pathway is the annual review of the EHCP.
What it involves:
o Reviewing the child’s progress toward their goals.
o Adjusting the plan to reflect any changes in needs or circumstances.
The review also provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements and set new objectives.
Supporting Families Through the SEND Journey
While the seven-stage process provides structure, navigating it can still feel overwhelming.
Here are some tips to help families along the way:
o Stay informed: Use resources like the Gloucestershire Local Offer to stay up-to-
date.
o Collaborate: Work closely with your child’s school and professionals involved in their
support.
o Access support: Organisations like Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum and SENDIASS Gloucestershire can offer advice and advocacy.
Final Thoughts
The Gloucestershire SEND pathway is designed to provide a clear and collaborative process
for supporting children and young people with SEND. By understanding each stage, families
can feel empowered to advocate for their child’s needs and ensure they receive the best
possible support to succeed in education and beyond.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or navigating a specific stage, remember that help
is always available. Reach out and join our February parent workshops discussing EHCP
and the seven-stage process including My Plan and how to work with your child’s school.
Ask questions, chat with other parents and know that you are not alone.
Website: www.neurothrive.org.uk
Email: info@neurothrive.org.uk