Lambeth Council is set to implement a new plan aimed at reforming support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The SEND Reform Plan, discussed at a recent Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting, outlines a three-year strategy to create a more inclusive and supportive system for young people aged 0-25.

A young girl smiles joyfully, looking upwards with bright eyes.
A young girl smiles joyfully, looking upwards with bright eyes.

The plan focuses on three key workstreams: the Experts at Hand locality model, the expansion of SEND Inclusion Bases in mainstream schools, and strengthening Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) support and early intervention.

Experts at Hand Locality Model

The Experts at Hand model, set to be implemented from September 2026, will see each school have a multi-agency strategic assessment. This initiative is designed to provide more cost-effective support, led by assistant educational psychologists, and has already seen 75% of schools sign up.

A group of young people are engaged in a discussion, with one person speaking and others listening attentively.
A group of young people are engaged in a discussion, with one person speaking and others listening attentively.

This model differs from previous assessment methods by focusing on building capacity within schools to meet needs, rather than solely assessing individual children. Lindsay O'Connell, Principal Educational Psychologist, explained that the Experts at Hand (EaH) model is based on seven locality clusters, geographically organised to optimise on-the-ground support for schools. Seven assistant educational psychologists have been employed to act as a linchpin and communication point for schools, leading implementation support. The EaH model aims to allow for more efficient deployment of multidisciplinary professionals, promote broader skill development across settings, and support a more dynamic and sustainable workforce.

Expansion of SEND Inclusion Bases

To address needs in mainstream settings, Lambeth is expanding its SEND Inclusion Bases, with 23 schools applying to open or extend these facilities, particularly for children with autism and SEMH needs. This aims to increase capacity within mainstream settings and ensure more consistent provision across the borough.

A young boy engrossed in a tablet, representing the focus on children's experiences and engagement within the Corporate Parenting Strategy.
A young boy engrossed in a tablet, representing the focus on children's experiences and engagement within the Corporate Parenting Strategy.

Strengthening SEMH Support and Early Intervention

The third workstream focuses on bolstering SEMH support and early intervention. This involves strengthening the existing three-tier intervention model to help schools identify and address additional needs at an earlier stage, potentially reducing the need for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) for less complex cases.

An illustration depicting adults offering support to a distressed child near a school building.
An illustration depicting adults offering support to a distressed child near a school building.

The success measures for this workstream include 'Reduction in persistent absence and severe absence in CYP with SEND Support or EHCP needs in mainstream settings' and 'Reduction in specialist provision and AP placement for CYP with SEMH'. The effectiveness of this strategy will be evaluated by triangulating attendance and behaviour data, referral patterns across tiers, and qualitative feedback from schools and families.

Sophie Garner, Interim Director of Education and Learning, clarified that the strategy aims for a 20% increase in early identification and intervention to prevent escalation, while forecasting a 2% reduction in EHCPs for less complex cases through early intervention and consistency in mainstream settings. This is part of a three-year transformation journey.

A man and a young child happily playing with building blocks together.
A man and a young child happily playing with building blocks together.

Further details on the SEND Reform Plan can be found in the Public reports pack for the Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on Monday 7 September 2026.