The Isle of Wight Council is working to streamline its online resources to make it easier for families to find information about support services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Local Offer is a crucial resource that provides detailed information on education, health, and social care services available to SEND children and their families.

The council is legally required to ensure this information is clear, comprehensive, and accessible, as mandated by the Children and Families Act 2014.

In an effort to improve navigation, the council has removed an outdated page and is now focusing on enhancing the IW Family Information Hub Local Offer page.

The council is actively seeking feedback from parents and carers to refine this resource and has launched an online survey to gather valuable insights.

Once a Parent Carer Forum is established, the council will collaborate closely with this forum and other parent/carer groups to develop a robust and effective Local Offer for the Isle of Wight.

Naomi Carter, service director for education, inclusion and access, said: “By focusing on a single, improved platform, we are making it much easier for families to access the information and support they need.

“This collaborative approach ensures that the Local Offer will be shaped by the very people it is designed to help.

“Their first-hand experiences and insights are invaluable in creating a resource that truly meets the needs of our community. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have on the lives of SEND children and their families.”

Parents and carers are encouraged to share their views and suggestions through the survey. The feedback collected will be instrumental in shaping the future architecture of the Local Offer web platform.

Access the survey here: Local Offer questionnaire or email:ImprovingSEND@iow.gov.uk

Contact Information

Martin Neville
Isle of Wight
martin.neville@iow.gov.uk