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<p>The department recognises the importance of ensuring that local authorities provide
sufficient childcare services for children with special educational needs and disabilities
(SEND). The department continues to work closely with local authorities to monitor
sufficiency of places for children in early years, including for those children with
SEND.</p><p>The local authority statutory guidance on early education and childcare
sets out a clear requirement that local authorities must report annually to elected
council members on how they are meeting their duty to secure sufficient childcare
and make this report available and accessible to parents. The statutory guidance is
clear that the report should include a specific reference to how they are ensuring
sufficient childcare is available to children with SEND.</p><p>The department is introducing
Local Area Inclusion Plans (LAIPs) which are 3 year plans that explain how the needs
of children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25 in an area will be met. LAIPs
will be monitored and reviewed by the department and be underpinned by strengthened
accountabilities and improved use of data for all those responsible for local delivery
of places.</p>
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