The Priority Impact Plan outlines a strategic, co-produced roadmap to improve services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Torbay, developed in response to the March 2025 Ofsted and CQC inspection by the local area partnership (LAP).

The Plan spans 18 months and focuses on delivering measurable improvements through collaborative action.

Working together for change

Every child and young person in Torbay deserves to be understood, supported and included.

The Torbay SEND Local Area Partnership — made up of Torbay Council, NHS Devon, schools and SEND Family Voice Torbay — has created a new plan to make real, lasting improvements.

Our shared goal: To make sure every child and young person with SEND can thrive, learn, and live a full, happy life in Torbay.

Our promise to families

We promise to:

• Listen carefully to what children, young people and parents say.
• Work together to design and improve services (“co-production”).
• Be honest and transparent about what’s possible and what’s changing.
• Celebrate successes and learn from mistakes.

These commitments are at the heart of Torbay’s Statement of Commitment and Co-production Charter.

What’s changing: our four priority areas

Priority 1: Stronger partnership and communication

• Clear decisions and accountability through the SEND Local Area Improvement Partnership (SLAIP) board.
• Regular updates so you know about what’s happening and why.
• Easier ways for you to give feedback and see how it’s making a difference.

Family benefit: ‘We’ll know who’s responsible, and we’ll see real updates on progress.’

Priority 2: Better services and support

• Using shared data to understand local needs and plan services together.
• More help for Autistic children and those with speech, language or communication needs.
• Improved support for neurodiverse children in mainstream schools.
• Continued parent courses and support groups for families.

Family benefit: ‘Support will match our children’s needs and be available locally.’

Priority 3: Joined-up support across education, health and care

• Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) will be quicker and clearer.
• Schools, health and care teams will work to identify needs earlier.
• Fewer suspensions and exclusions; more inclusion in mainstream schools.
• Better post-16 options, apprenticeships and supported internships.

Family benefit: ‘Less waiting, smoother journeys, and real choices for the future.’

Priority 4: Shorter health waiting times and improved early support

• New joint pathways for Autism, ADHD and neurodevelopmental assessment.
• Easy access to Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy advice.
• Better mental-health support for children and young people.
• Support for families while they wait for assessments.

Family benefit: ‘We’ll get the right help, sooner — and feel supported while we wait.’

How we will measure progress

We’ll check in and share updates regularly on:

• Audit results – Are services improving?
• Family feedback – What are you telling us?
• Data dashboard – Are waiting times and outcomes getting better?
• Independent reviews – Department of Education and NHS England will keep us on track.

You’ll see updates through SEND Family Voice Torbay and here in our Local Offer.

How you can get involved

• Join SEND Family Voice Torbay – your local Parent Carer Forum.
• Check our Local Offer for local SEND information and events.
• Attend community “pop-ups” to talk directly with service leaders.
• Share feedback – every story helps shape change.

Together, we can build a future that truly values the uniqueness of our children and young people — creating a Torbay where every child can shine.

Read the full Priority Impact Plan

Download an Easy Read version, using Wigit Symbols

Torbay’s SEND Partnership has received positive feedback from the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England (NHSE) following a recent stocktake review, marking an encouraging milestone in the partnership’s improvement journey, while recognising that continued effort is needed to build on this progress.

Read the DfE and NHSE letters in full.