News Update - October 2026

Local Area SEND monitoring inspection

We expect the outcome of the Derbyshire Local Area Partnership’s monitoring inspection to be published next month.

Inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were looking at our arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It provided an important opportunity to demonstrate the work taking place across the local area and to reflect on the progress being made through our ongoing SEND improvement plan.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the inspection, including children, young people and families, schools and settings, health partners, council colleagues and the many professionals who shared their experiences and evidence with inspectors.

Derbyshire’s SEND Reform Plan approved

Derbyshire’s Local SEND Reform Plan has been approved by Government.

This is an important milestone and reflects the considerable work undertaken across the Derbyshire SEND Partnership. The three-year plan aims to increase the support available to children and families, ensure they get the right support at the right time and that all services are working in a co-ordinated, joined up way.

We’ll update you on this work as it gets underway across Derbyshire.

Supporting you with your child's next step in education

Moving on to a new stage of education can be exciting and daunting for children and their families. As part of that process, the county council will carry out phase transfer reviews to make sure the right school, college and support are in place for children and young people.

Parents and carers should have received a parental preference form to tell the council about their preferred school or college.

For children starting school, in Years 2, 3, 6 and 7 these reviews should take place in the first half of the autumn term. For Post-16 transfers, these usually take place in the second half of the autumn term.

For any questions about phase transfer reviews parents and carers are asked to contact their SEND officer or speak to their child's current school or setting.

New Attendance Strategy supports wellbeing

Good attendance is fundamental to children and young people's wellbeing, achievement, and future success.

Derbyshire County Council has launched its new Attendance Strategy 2025-2028 setting out a shared vision and clear priorities for reducing absence across the county.

The strategy has been developed in partnership with schools and services and recognises attendance can often be linked to wider factors affecting children and families.

Supporting vaccination for children and young people with SEND

Schools and specialist providers have been given extra guidance on supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to be vaccinated. It includes practical steps to help children and young people with SEND and their families understand why vaccination matters.

Vaccines are delivered by the School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) which will work with specialist providers and schools to arrange clinics.

If the dates and locations are not suitable for some parents or carers, they can speak to their local SAIS team about alternative vaccination opportunities for their children.

Best Start in Life Family Hubs open their doors

Families recently joined professionals and local organisations to celebrate the opening of Derbyshire's first Best Start in Life Family Hubs at Birdholme and Cotmanhay.

The open days gave families the opportunity to explore the hubs, meet local services and learn more about the support available from pregnancy through to starting school. This included information, advice, family activities, SEND support and connections to local services designed to help children and families thrive.

Families were particularly positive about the welcoming environment within the hubs, with several attendees highlighting the dedicated sensory rooms and the difference it could make for children with SEND.

The opening of Birdholme and Cotmanhay marks the start of a wider rollout of Best Start in Life Family Hubs across Derbyshire, with additional hubs planned in the future, including Alice's View.

Watch our short video from the open days and hear what families and partners had to say at: Family Hubs Open Day

Looking for support, activities, local services or SEND information for your family? Visit Derbyshire's Best Start in Life online hub to explore what's available in your area and find out about future Family Hubs at: Derbyshire Best Start in Life online hub

New kinship offer launched to support Derbyshire families

A new kinship offer has been launched by Derbyshire County Council to ensure families raising children of relatives and friends can easily access information, guidance and support. The offer, developed with local kinship families, brings together the wide range of support available and highlights the council's commitment to helping children remain close to their communities.

Kinship carers provide loving, stable homes for children who cannot live with their parents, helping them stay connected to their families, communities and support networks.

To find out more about the kinship offer and available support visit: Derbyshire County Council Kinship Care

New online mental health support available

Soluna by Kooth offers free, confidential support and a wide range of resources online or on a mobile app. It’s free to access or download and includes one-to-one support. It is designed for all children, young people and young adults aged 10 to 25 across Derby and Derbyshire.