Since its introduction in 2014, the course continues an integrated approach between local authorities and the NHS to ensure that the SEND reforms are truly embedded within the health and social care sector. The course will consist of four modules over eight full days from November 2020 to February 2021.

The SEND Leadership programme is delivered as part of a wider consortium entitled Delivering Better Outcomes Together (DBOT), a partnership between NDTi, Mott Macdonald and the Council for Disabled Children. DBOT includes NDTi’s Preparing for Adulthood programme which has also secured another year of DfE funding to provide expertise and support to local authorities and their partners to embed preparing for adulthood from the earliest years.

The programme has transformed participants’ practice, boosted confidence, enhanced knowledge, and established a peer network. Julie Pointer, NDTi’s Programme Lead for Children and Young People, said:

“Our previous SEND Leadership programme provided us with an amazing group of talented and committed leaders who have been honest, challenging, and supportive to each other during the course. The sudden finish due to Covid 19 has only helped to cement their friendship and support for each other – our 3 weekly catch up’s give everyone a chance to talk about what’s working well and what they are learning during these strange times. We really welcome the opportunity that the DfE have given us to continue with the course.”

Evaluation from April 2020 of the effectiveness of the Send Leadership programme was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants commenting on the value of the programme to their leadership skills around the SEND Reforms. Participants' satisfaction of their experience of the modules was 93%.

“I have taken a more strategic approach to the SEND agenda and have been able to apply leadership/management strategies adopted to enable change to meet demand.” - Participant 2019/2020

Applicants are advised that places are limited and competition is high. Full information on the application process will be available here by the end of June, or register your interest by emailing: pauline.roberts@ndti.org.uk