Shropshire SEND Local Offer

What is the SEND Local Offer?

The Local Offer brings together information that was previously spread across different departments, schools, charities and private providers. It includes details about:

• School places and specialised settings
• Therapies speech and language, occupational, physiotherapy
• Assistive technology and equipment
• Extracurricular activities and clubs
• Transition support for post16, employment and independent living
• Financial assistance and grants
• Parent and carer networks

The aim is to make it easier for families to find the right support at the right time, and for professionals to signpost services consistently.

Who can use the Local Offer?

The Local Offer is for anyone who is interested in SEND provision in Shropshire, including:

• Children and young people with SEND (and their families)
• Teachers, teaching assistants and schoolbased SEND coordinators
• Health professionals paediatricians, therapists, nurses
• Social workers and local authority staff
• Charities and voluntary groups
• Employers and colleges thinking about inclusive practice

All information is publicly available and free to use.

How to access the Local Offer

The Local Offer can be accessed in three main ways:

1. Online portal the most uptodate version lives on the Shropshire Council website. Users can filter by age, need, location and service type.
2. Printed booklet a downloadable PDF version is available for families who prefer a hard copy or have limited internet access.
3. Onetoone advice families can contact the SEND Team directly for personalised help, or arrange a meeting with a local SEND coordinator.

Visit shropshire.gov.uk/send-local-offer for the latest links.

Key Areas of Provision

1. Education and School Placement

Shropshire offers a range of educational settings, from mainstream schools with specialist support to dedicated SEND schools. The Local Offer lists:

• Specialist SEN (Special Educational Need) units within mainstream schools
• Special schools such as The Priory School (autistic provision)
• Alternative provisions for pupils who are unable to attend mainstream settings
• Post16 colleges with disability support services

2. Therapies and Health Services

Children can access therapies through the NHS or through approved private providers. The Local Offer includes contact details for:

• Speech & Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology and mental health support
• Specialist audiology and vision services

3. Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can make a huge difference in learning and daily life. The Local Offer points families to:

• Technology assessment services
• Funding routes Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan budgets
• Local suppliers and loan schemes for tablets, communication devices, hearing aids, and mobility aids

4. ExtraCurricular Activities

Social inclusion is a core principle of the Local Offer. Activities listed include:

• Sports clubs adapted for physical or sensory needs
• Creative workshops drama, music, art
• Holiday clubs and respite breaks
• Peer support groups for autistic children and for families

5. Transition & Adult Services

Moving from childhood to adulthood can be complex. The Local Offer provides guidance on:

• Post16 pathways further education, apprenticeships, employment
• Supported living options and housing advice
• Adult social care assessments
• Financial advice Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

How organisations can contribute

Keeping the Local Offer accurate is a shared responsibility. Providers are encouraged to:

• Update their service descriptions at least annually
• Notify the SEND Team of any changes to contact details or availability
• Provide success stories or case studies (with consent) to help others understand impact
• Participate in local SEND forums and feedback events

Contributions are coordinated through the SEND Coordinator for each district contact details are on the online portal.

Support for families

Finding the right help can feel overwhelming. Shropshire offers a range of familyfocused services:

• Family Support Officers dedicated advisors who guide families through assessments, placements and funding.
• ParenttoParent Networks regular meetings where families share experiences and advice.
• Information workshops free sessions on topics such as writing an EHC plan, using assistive technology, and preparing for school transitions.
• Online resources downloadable guides, videos and webinars accessible through the Local Offer site.

Monitoring and review

The Local Offer is not a static document. Shropshire Council follows a robust review cycle:

1. Quarterly data checks providers submit updates; the SEND Team validates information.
2. Annual stakeholder forum families, professionals and charities discuss gaps and propose improvements.
3. User feedback surveys collected online and via telephone to assess ease of use and relevance.

All feedback directly influences the next edition of the Local Offer, ensuring it remains a living resource.