The SEND Code of Practice sets out what the Local Offer is, its purpose and the expectations regarding the Local Offer.

What? 

The SEND Code of Practice says that ‘local authorities must publish a Local Offer, setting out in one place information about provision they expect to be available across education, health and social care for children and young people in their area who have special educational needs or are disabled, including those who do not have education, health and care plans. In setting out what they ‘expect to be available’, local authorities should include provision which they believe will actually be available.'

Local authorities must consult locally on what provision the Local Offer should contain.

Who? 

The local authority is responsible for ensuring there is a Local Offer and that it is maintained and updated.

Why? 

According to the SEND Code of Practice, the Local Offer has two key purposes: 

• To provide clear, comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date information about the available provision and how to access it. 

• To make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations by directly involving disabled children and those with SEN and their parents, and disabled young people and those with SEN, and service providers in its development and review. 

How? 

• The Local Offer must be co-produced with parents and carers as well as with children and young people. 

• The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's (RBWM) Local Offer can be found here.

• It is expected that schools signpost parents and carers to the Local Offer for RBWM.