Redbridge Council is focusing on enhancing support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within mainstream schools. The Children and Young People Policy Development Committee met on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, to discuss strategies for inclusive education and review the progress of related initiatives.

The meeting centred on a presentation about SEND in mainstream education, contrasting it with specialised settings like special schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). Councillors recognised the pressures faced by schools, particularly those with small departments, and emphasised the importance of collaboration to address these challenges. The council supports collaboration within schools and encourages outward-looking approaches to research and best practices. Investment in teaching staff through training and support for existing networks are key strategies.

The committee also reviewed its work plan for the 2025/26 period, which includes:

  • SEND in mainstream (25 November 2025)
  • SEND out of mainstream, including a site visit to Park School for Girls (15 January 2026)
  • A summary meeting to approve the report (16 March 2026)

During the meeting, councillors explored ways to foster collaboration and share best practices among schools. One key area of discussion was the importance of school-to-school support networks. It's not great when people are working on their own, one attendee noted, emphasising the value of teamwork. We collaborate better and we learn better from each other.

The council also addressed concerns about children who may be missed due to homeschooling. While recognising parents' rights to home educate, the council has a responsibility to ensure these children receive appropriate support. A specific concern raised was that some homeschooled children in need of SEND support might be missed if parents don't recognise the issue. To address this, the council has an advisor who maintains contact with homeschooling families. If the council deems the home education unsuitable, they follow up through the education welfare service. Furthermore, the council encourages homeschooling families to connect with each other to share resources and advice.

The next meeting is scheduled for 15 January 2026, focusing on SEND provisions outside of mainstream schools, including a visit to the Park School for Girls site. The Children and Young People PDC Work Plan 2025/26 will continue to guide the committee's work in the coming months.