Wandsworth Council sets ambitious new direction for SEND support

This strategy outlines how local services will work together to create an inclusive, supportive and empowering environment. It is a vision where children and young people are not only supported to thrive but also have their aspirations truly heard, from early years through to adulthood. 

One of the most immediate and meaningful changes families will see is our ambition on quicker access to the right support. This means children will get help earlier in their journey, when it can make the biggest difference. This focus on early intervention is already giving families renewed hope. As one parent involved in shaping the strategy shared: “For the first time, it feels like our voices are truly being heard. As a parent, that gives me hope, not just for my child, but for every family navigating the SEND system. This strategy feels like a real step forward.” 

Co-produced with SEND parent carers, the South West London Integrated Care Board, education professionals and the local voluntary sector, the strategy was launched to align with the National SEND in Schools Conference 2025 - a pivotal event bringing together voices from across the education sector to discuss best practice and shared challenges. It signals Wandsworth’s renewed commitment to meaningful, lasting change for children with SEND. 

Shaped by the lived experiences of children and young people with SEND and their families in Wandsworth, the strategy reflects a shared commitment to early support, inclusive education and coordinated care. One young person involved said: “I want school to be a place where I feel understood and where everyone is accepted. I hope this strategy helps make that real for more people like me.” 

Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children at Wandsworth Council, said: “This strategy is about real change. Children and families have told us what matters most, and we’ve listened. Too often, the system has felt complicated, slow, or unresponsive. Our new SEND Strategy is a commitment to be more inclusive, more joined-up, and, above all, more ambitious for every child and young person with SEND in Wandsworth.” 

The strategy focuses on four key priorities: 

• Ensuring early support is available when it’s needed most 
• Building a more inclusive education system that works for every child 
• Supporting smoother transitions into adulthood 
• Fostering stronger partnerships between children, families, and professionals at every stage 

In addition to its core priorities, the strategy is shaped by what families and young people have told us matters most: being accepted for who they are, feeling understood, and having a true sense of belonging in their schools and communities. It also responds to the growing need for early identification, improved access to local provision, and more joined-up planning, especially as demand for support continues to rise. These voices and needs will continue to guide the strategy’s future direction. 

The full strategy, along with an accessible summary version, is now available on the Family Information Service website. Progress will be tracked and reported on annually, with families and professionals invited to help shape ongoing improvements. 

For more information, or to get involved, contact fis@wandsworth.gov.uk.