More children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Stoke-on-Trent are getting the support they need sooner.
What’s new: Stoke-on-Trent City Council has increased the proportion of Education, Health and Care Plans issued within 20 weeks.
By the numbers: Timely plans increased from 33 per cent in 2025 to 62 per cent, despite assessment requests rising by 11 per cent.
Why it matters: The improvements mean more children can receive support sooner, with more pupils being supported in mainstream schools.
Over the past year, the proportion of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued by the city council’s Special Educational Needs Monitoring and Assessment Service (SENDMAS) within 20 weeks has increased to 62 per cent from 33 per cent in 2025.
The improvements have been achieved despite an 11 per cent increase in requests for assessments. The team supports more than 3,800 children and young people with EHCPs.
Its achievements saw the team recognised in the West Midlands ADCS Team Excellence Awards 2026, held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Friday 18 September.
The improvements have been driven by a more streamlined assessment process, closer working between schools, health services and the council and a focus on helping children and young people access the support that best meets their needs.
As a result, more pupils are being supported in mainstream schools, giving families greater choice and helping children learn alongside their peers.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We know how important timely support is for children and young people with SEND and their families.
“Despite growing demand, the team has made real progress in reducing delays and helping more children and young people get the help they need sooner.
“We remain committed to building on this progress and continuing to provide the best possible service for families across Stoke-on-Trent.”
Support local journalism
Help us grow the Signal
Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it.
Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.
Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp
Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!
Get Instant Updates
