Havering Council has committed to strengthening its provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through a cross-party guarantee. This agreement was reached during a full council meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The motion, put forward by the Labour Group, acknowledges the significant and increasing pressure on SEND services
currently being experienced. It also highlights the importance of delivering the approved new SEND school in Gidea Park and aims to protect progress from disruption, regardless of any future changes in political administration.
The cross-party guarantee includes a commitment to several key areas: delivering planned SEND expansion, safeguarding funding and capacity, and establishing a clear multi-year plan with defined targets. These targets focus on reducing out-of-borough placements, improving the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and strengthening inclusion within the borough.
To ensure accountability and stability for children and families accessing SEND services, the council has resolved to implement mechanisms for ongoing oversight. This includes asking for an early public update from any incoming administration, alongside mandatory annual reporting. This approach is designed to ensure that the commitments made in the multi-year plan are adhered to across different political leaderships.
Further details on the council's agenda and reports from the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack.
