The council has opened a consultation on its planned services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities and their families and carers.

Croydon’s draft SEND Strategy 2019-2022, and its Draft Post-16 Travel Assistance Policy for young people with SEND can both be viewed at www.croydon.gov.uk/SENDConsultations.

In announcing the consultations this week, the council said, “Croydon’s Draft SEND Strategy sets out its aspirations for all children and young people with SEND – that they will live fulfilled lives and be active contributors to the borough’s future. This includes supporting them into adulthood, so that they achieve independence and employment, whenever possible, in or near their local community.

“The strategy outlines how Croydon will meet children and young people with SEND’s needs over the next three years. It has been developed by the council in close partnership with children and young people with SEND, their families, local partners in health, and mainstream and special schools.

“The strategy is based on identifying children and young people’s needs at an early stage, and ensuring they and their families are supported in the right way, at the right time. It focuses for young people’s well-being and attainment, building on their strengths through local education, health and care pathways.

“The strategy has been developed as the council and its partners are increasing local specialist education provision for children and young people with SEND, meaning that more will be able to attend special schools or colleges near their home. A new special school for ages 2-19 is due to open in September 2020, while specialist college education provision, a post 16-SEN Centre of Excellence, will open at Croydon FE College the same year.

Both consultations are open until January 31.

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