Update from the SEND Improvement Board (SIB): May 2026

Published: 02 June 2026 Update from the SEND Improvement Board

The SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Board (SIB) is responsible for ensuring that the Priority Action Plan (PAP) is delivered and outcomes are achieved. It is chaired by an independent and external chair. The Board receives assurance reports monthly from the SEND and AP Operational Group.

At its May Meeting, the SIB focussed on the restructuring of the SEND governance system and Priority Action Plan. This is to ensure the incorporation of the SEND reforms work and SEND and AP Strategy. 

The new Board Exceptions Report was also introduced, and it was agreed this would allow the board clear oversight of the impact of work completed for children and young people and that this reemphasis was evident throughout the new frameworks. 

Improved data integrity and reporting including the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) were key themes in helping the improvement in both operational and strategic outputs. 

This significant improvement has allowed the Redbridge partnership to understand key areas of concern and act swiftly to address issues.  This was evidenced in a series of positive outcomes from each of the themes including the following highlights;

  • The significant improvement in meeting the statutory Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) 20-week deadline. The cumulative figure now stands at 48.4%.
  • The reduction of the Children with Disabilities (CWD) assessment backlog which is due to be cleared in May 2026
  • The establishment of a monthly Children Missing Education (CME) panel in March 2026
  • Strengthened oversight of risk for post‑16’s through improved data on those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), young people awaiting placement, supported internships and work‑based provision. Consistent coding and routine data cleansing helps prevent young people disengaging going unnoticed.

The board endorsed the revised Priority Action Plan (PAP) and Governance structures which it agreed would ensure clarity regarding the difference being made for Children and Young People and in supporting colleagues to identify priorities and evidence the impact being made by their work.

The increased emphasis on co-production and the voice of stakeholders, in particular children and young people, was well received; the development of the SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy and the codesign of the Advisory Networks were felt to be testament to this increasingly collaborative approach.  In particular, the board was pleased to hear that two young people had expressed a wish to participate in the board and noted the need for careful consideration on how to include them most effectively.

Significant progress was reported regarding the SEND reforms with 3 major submissions now nearing completion, the Maturity Matrix, the Data return and the SEND Reforms Plan.  The board welcomed the plan noting it’s iterative nature, the increased integration with local health services and the positive emphasis on needs led early intervention.