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<p>The department wants to ensure that Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments,
where required, are conducted as quickly as possible, so that children and young people
can access the support they need. In March 2023, the government set out its plans
to reform and improve the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system
through its SEND and alternative provision (AP) Improvement Plan. The plan commits
to establishing a single national system that delivers for every child and young person
with SEND, so that they enjoy their childhood, achieve good outcomes and are well
prepared for adulthood and employment. Wakefield, Leeds, Calderdale and Bradford are
in the SEND Change Programme, representing the Yorkshire and Humber region, to test
these reforms. Specifically, these reforms focus on early intervention, improving
the quality of EHC plans, streamlining the EHC plan process, reducing conflicts within
the EHC plan system through better co-production and ultimately enhancing outcomes
for children and young people.</p><p>The mental health of children is a national priority
for this government and the department recognises that some children will need specialist
support for their mental health issues. The department is supporting children and
young people nationally, including those in the Morley and Outwood area, in the expansion
and transformation of mental health services through an increase in spending through
the NHS overall, as well as improved access to early mental health support.</p><p>To
expand access to early mental health support, the department is continuing to roll
out Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to schools and colleges. As of April 2024,
MHSTs now covers 44% of pupils in schools and learners in further education in England.
The department is extending coverage of MHSTs to at least 50% of pupils and learners
by the end of March 2025.</p><p>The department has also committed to offering all
state schools and colleges a grant to train a senior mental health lead by 2025, enabling
them to introduce effective whole school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
So far 16,700 settings have claimed a grant so far, including more than 8 in 10 state-funded
secondary schools.</p>
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