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Children and young people

SEND Marketplace success

The second SEND Marketplace event, held in October was a great success, with organisers already confirming its return for a third edition next year.

The event brought together professionals, parents, carers and services to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Find out more about our SEND services

Cathy Palmer from Bexley Early Intervention and Specialist Advice Service, and Rachel Medhurst from Bexley Local Offer

New SEND and Preparing for Adulthood Strategy

Bexley’s new Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) & Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Strategy launched during this summer, will shape local support from 2024 to 2028.

Cllr Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education said:

The strategy focuses on ensuring that children and young people with SEND receive the right support at the right time and place, while also providing opportunities for a fulfilled adulthood."

Developed in consultation with families and local partners, the strategy sets out ambitions to focus on over the next four years. The next phase involves detailed planning and implementation, with ongoing engagement from all stakeholders to ensure the strategy’s success.

Find out more about the SEND Strategy

Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education

Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education

A Day in the Life of.... a SEN Case Officer

SEN Case Officer Lea plays a crucial role in the shaping the educational journeys of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). With a focus on collaboration, she ensures that each learner receives comprehensive support through personalised Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Picture of the Bexley SEN Case Officer Team

No two days are the same for Lea, who manages a caseload of over 150 learners. Her work involves writing and updating EHCP plans, attending meetings and problem-solving while working with families, schools and professionals to ensure that SEN pupils receive the right support. Though the role is fast-paced, her team strives to meet statutory deadlines and adapt to the evolving needs of each child.

Lea finds her work immensely rewarding, especially being part of a network that supports Bexley’s most vulnerable learners. The team’s supportive environment enhances their ability to deliver effective support, always keeping the children and their families at the heart of their work.

As with all jobs, challenges arise, but Lea and her team use creative solutions and multi-agency collaboration to provide essential support.

Find out more about our SEN Case Officers