3. Priority Plan Group Report

The Board received an update on work across the three main SEND improvement priorities.

Priority 1: Education, Health and Care Plans

There has been good progress in reducing the backlog of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Waiting times have improved. More staff have been recruited, training has been provided and digital systems have been improved.

Priority 2: Preparation for Adulthood

Work continues to improve support for young people as they move into adult life. This includes planning for employment, independence and transitions to adult services.

Priority 3: Health and Therapy Services

Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) services continue to meet their legal targets. Neurodevelopmental services have reduced caseloads and improved oversight of support pathways. A new Neurodevelopmental (ND) Hub has launched on the SEND Local Offer (SENDLO) website. The hub provides information, guidance and support for families.

Actions agreed

• A review will take place to improve how SEND progress is reported to the Board.

• A briefing note will be provided to explain the difference between two performance measures, known as M15 and M17.

4. SEND Dashboard

The Board reviewed SEND performance information for August 2026. Members agreed that the dashboard should be published on the SEND Local Offer (SENDLO) website so families can view progress.

5. Impact Session – Participation and Engagement

The session focused on how children, young people, parents and carers are helping to shape SEND services across Wirral. Members heard examples of how listening to families is improving services and helping support reach the right people.

SENDLO Roadshows and SENDLO Live Event

The SENDLO roadshows continue to provide opportunities for families to meet services and access support.

So far:

• 30 marketplace events have been delivered.

• 66 roadshows and drop-in sessions have taken place.

• 563 people have engaged with the programme.

• 321 were parents and carers.

• 155 were children and young people.

• 87 were professionals.

Feedback from parents, carers, young people and Young Inspectors has helped shape these events.

The SENDLO Live event took place on 12 October 2026. It was attended by 198 people throughout the day. Fifty organisations provided information and advice to families.

What this means for families

The Board agreed that these events are helping families access support, information and advice. Plans are being developed to continue the programme in a sustainable way. Family Hubs will play an important role in future delivery.

Best Start in Life at Family Hubs

Members heard about the range of activities available through Family Hubs. Many services now provide regular drop-in sessions from hubs, making support easier for families to access.

Services include:

• health clinics

• Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)

• parenting courses

• baby massage

• SEND stay-and-play sessions.

The Board also heard that Family Hubs may offer more support linked to neurodiversity pathways in the future. Early advice and support could help some families get help sooner and avoid unnecessary referrals.

What this means for families

The Board agreed that Family Hubs provide an important way for families to access services in their local community. More promotion of the support available will take place

The Positivitree

The Positivitree shared information about its work supporting parents and carers. The organisation helps parents and carers improve their wellbeing, build confidence and strengthen family relationships.

Case studies showed positive outcomes for families who had attended courses and support programmes.

Action agreed

Further information will be shared on the number of Wirral families receiving support related to Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ARFID is an eating disorder that can limit the amount or types of food a person eats

Peer Mentors Programme

The Board heard from young peer mentors who spoke about their experiences supporting other young people. Videos showed the positive impact of the programme and the difference it makes to participants.

Members agreed that the programme helps young people build confidence, make positive choices and support others in their community. The programme received strong support from the Board.

What this means for families

The programme provides young people with leadership opportunities and positive role models. Members described youth work as an important part of helping young people achieve good outcomes.

Agent Marketing Activity Update

An update was provided on communications and engagement work. Activity during September and October showed:

• a 45.4% increase in engagement

• a 36.3% increase in impressions, meaning more people saw information and messages about SEND services.

A more detailed report will be presented at a future meeting.

Key messages for parents and carers

• Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) waiting times and backlogs continue to improve.

• A new Neurodevelopmental (ND) Hub is now available on the SEND Local Offer (SENDLO) website.

• SENDLO roadshows and drop-in sessions are reaching more families and will continue to be developed.

• Family Hubs are expanding the range of support available to families.

• Parent and carer feedback is helping shape services across Wirral.

• Young people are contributing directly to service development and peer support programmes.

• The findings from the recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection are expected in November 2026.

The next meeting is on 24th November 2026.