Council given £476,176 for children with special educational needs and disabilities

The £476,176 grant from the Department for Education will be used to help build education, health and care plans for the youngsters while helping their families access more tailored support from professionals.

The money was part of an £80million package which Edward Timpson, the government’s children and families minister, which included £35.8million funding for local authorities and £27.3million to support low income families with disabled children.

Mr Timpson said: “Our vision for children with special educational needs and disability is simple: that their aspirations are as high any other young person, that they dream big, achieve well at school and college, and lead fulfilling, happy lives.

“We’ve made fundamental changes to the law to provide that support and the work I’ve seen so far, putting families at the heart of the process, is inspiring - but we know there is still more to do to.

“I’m delighted that today we can announce that we are committing more money to councils than last year, helping to make the transition for families accessing support as smooth as possible.”

The money was welcomed by Councillor Richard Burrett, the county council’s cabinet member for education and skills.

Mr Burrett said: “The government announced the funding to ‘help transform the life chances of children across the country and ensure every child, regardless of the challenges they face, can dream big and fulfil their potential’.

“We cannot echo these sentiments enough.

“By bringing education, health and social care closer together, we can all work towards the same goal of improving the lives of families of children and young people with SEND.

“The latest funding announcement is very welcome news and will enable us to push forward with the changes which will make a difference to people in West Sussex.”

In 2014 the council and the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum launched a website for families of children with SEND.

The site - West Sussex Local Offer - allows people to see what support and services are available in their area.

To find out more visit www.westsussex.local-offer.org.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.