Children and young people in Torbay may attend mainstream early years settings, schools or colleges or specialist provision such as mainstream schools with enhanced resource provision or special schools. In a diverse provider landscape the local area must exercise a range of roles and remain committed to the inclusion of children and young people.

In addition to mainstream provision the LA has developed a number of enhanced resource provisions that are delivered by mainstream providers. These include the following:-

• Barton Academy (Speech & Language Therapy)
• Preston Primary School (Autistic Spectrum Condition)
• St Margaret’s Academy (Hearing Impairment)
• The Spires College (Hearing Impairment)
• The Spires College (Autistic Spectrum Condition – newly created via SEN Capital Funding 2018)
• Brixham College (Autistic Spectrum Condition)
• Paignton Acadamy (Social, Emotional and Mental Health (anxiety) – newly created via SEN Capital Funding 2018)

The number of children presenting with additional needs is increasing both locally and nationally. Torbay has taken action to commission additional placements with existing schools, colleges and special schools within the local area. The current capacity of providers to expand the offer further is limited; this is compounded by the demographical demand to create more provision at all phases.

The SEND reforms have required Post 16 provision to be developed further. Additional needs which require enhanced provisions are around students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Emotional, Socialand Mental Health difficulties (SEMH).

The SEND Strategy provides the framework within which services can develop in an affordable and sustainable manner in the interests of Torbay children.

Participation is a key theme within the SEND Strategy, which also identifies Co-Production as a Priority area. We will ensure that parents, children and young people are involved in discussions and decisions about every aspect of planning, including making provision to meet local needs.