Contents

Summary 4

Part 1. Why SEND services need to be better joined up 7

Part 2. How to build a more cohesive SEND system 20

DfE must clarify the goals of SEND reform 21

The government needs to understand resource constraints across SEND and children’s services 24

The centre of government must co-ordinate SEND reform across Whitehall 26

Health input into SEND provision should be commissioned locally rather than through the NHS – if SEND is not a priority for DHSC 32

The Treasury should ensure funding flows support better partnership working in SEND 35

The cross-government working group on SEND must create shared, national systems and processes for SEND 40

Conclusion 48

Annex 1: Key ongoing public service reforms 49

Annex 2: Case studies 50

References 55

About the author 68