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SEND -Local Offer Websites: A Patchwork of Information for SEND Support in England

SEND -Local Offer Websites: A Patchwork of Information for SEND Support in England


Confusing and Incomplete: Research Exposes Inconsistencies in SEND Local Offer Websites

A recent study by The Special Needs Jungle has revealed a troubling lack of uniformity and significant gaps in the information provided by Local Offer websites across England. 

While Telford and Wrekin Council scored highly in comparison to the others in the survey, there were some glaring oversights.

These websites, mandated by the Children and Families Act, are crucial resources for families and individuals seeking support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).


Postcode Lottery of Information

The research assessed 151 local authorities and found a concerning variability in the comprehensiveness of their Local Offer websites. The amount of information included ranged from a meager 29% to a commendable 98%, where Telford and Wrekin sits at the top end, highlighting a "postcode lottery" where access to crucial information depends heavily on location.


Legal Compliance Concerns

The study also raises questions about legal compliance. Local authorities were more likely to include "should" information (recommended practices) than "must" information (legally mandated). This suggests a potential misunderstanding or disregard for legal obligations outlined in the SEND Code of Practice.


Areas of Weakness

Several key areas were identified as needing improvement:

Limited User Feedback- Less than half of the websites included recent user comments, hindering user engagement and hindering understanding of user needs. However, Telford and Wrekin again score highly.


Eligibility Confusion:

Fewer than half clearly explained the criteria for obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a crucial document for accessing support. 

While Telford and Wrekin Council again scored highly, their use of acronyms received some critism, and could very easily intimidate or confuse people not yet acquainted with the complex langauge of SEND (Special Education Needs & Disabilities) provision.


Digital Divide:

Only 30% offered alternative access for those without internet access, potentially excluding a significant portion of the population, unfortunately Telford and Wrekin Council is among the majority in this case too.


Accessibility Issues 

While most websites included accessibility statements, only a small fraction offered comprehensive features like language translation or accessibility options menus, limiting usability for diverse users. But here Telford and Wrekin Council score highly in all aspects.


A Call for Standardisation and Improvement

The research sheds light on a critical need for standardising and improving Local Offer websites. This requires ensuring all websites include comprehensive and legally compliant information, while also guaranteeing accessibility for users with different needs and abilities.

Specific Telford and Wrekin issues - the Early Years pages are a mess of broken links! Only two pages work, with the remaining nine broken and not working at all! 

Given early years is where a lot of parents start their SEND journey, the optics for the rest of their journey are severley skewered.


Beyond the Website

The inconsistency in Local Offer websites might indicate broader issues in the overall SEND provision landscape. Addressing these disparities necessitates a systemic approach that goes beyond just improving digital resources.


Moving Forward

Further research and monitoring are crucial to understand the link between quality of information provided and the real-world experiences of families and individuals navigating the SEND system. This highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure all children and young people with SEND have access to the information and support they deserve.


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