Have your say on SEND services in Hertfordshire ahead of ‘pivotal’ summit

Families are being urged to help shape the future of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services for children in Hertfordshire.

The county council has scheduled a SEND summit, which it says will be a "pivotal moment" in developing a new strategy for 2026–2031, which will be launched later this year.

Cllr Mark Watkin, executive member for education, SEND and inclusion, said: “This summit will be an important moment in our drive to improve services for children and young people with SEND as well as their parents and carers, and everyone who works in the system.

"It will be an opportunity for people to share their ideas and experiences to inform the development of our new SEND strategy 2026-2031.

“There has been significant work by officers to make sure we are listening to a range of groups and acting on their feedback, but we know there is more to do and that people feel disengaged. I am determined that their voices will be heard in the next phase of our improvement journey.”

In the lead-up to the summit, the council is inviting people to share their experiences and ideas and submit questions.

The summit will bring together representatives of parents, carers, schools, professionals and partners to "explore challenges, share learning, and build shared ownership" of changes.

It will also spotlight national developments in SEND policy and how they affect Hertfordshire, alongside local progress and innovation.

To participate, see https://forms.office.com/e/1RJJpyhFr8. Details of the summit—planned for September—will be confirmed soon.