Families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities will now have enhanced access to early support within their local communities through upgraded versions of Sure Start centers.
Local councils have been instructed to hire a new specialized practitioner for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in each Best Start Family Hub to offer direct support to families.
Parents will have access to various early interventions, including speech and language sessions for toddlers and specialized parent and baby groups.
Government officials have confirmed the rollout of 1,000 hubs, modeled after Sure Start centers, starting from April, with a focus on disadvantaged areas.
Approximately seven out of ten new hubs are anticipated to be situated in the 30% most disadvantaged communities nationwide, with local authorities instructed to prioritize areas with significant access barriers.
Professionals are expected to provide early practical advice to families of children with SEND to help manage daily challenges before they become more complex or medical issues, with additional support available if required.
An investment of £500 million has been allocated to the Best Start Family Hub initiative, with potential funding for extra SEND provisions, which is yet to be finalized.
A recent study by the Institute of Fiscal Studies revealed that children who had access to Sure Start centers were more likely to receive support at age five but less likely to require assistance between ages seven and sixteen. Early identification of children’s additional needs was found to reduce the need for high-level support later in childhood.
Plans to revamp the struggling SEND system have been delayed, with the release of the schools white paper postponed to early next year to allow for more engagement with parents on anticipated significant reforms.
Education Secretary Bridget Philipson emphasized the importance of revitalizing family support, particularly for families of children with SEND, to improve children’s life chances and break the link between background and success.
Paul Whiteman from the school leaders’ union NAHT praised the commitment to providing essential SEND support through the expansion of family hubs, highlighting the critical role of early intervention in supporting children and families and enhancing the education system.