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SENSS update

As we begin a new academic year and continue to prepare for the opportunities and changes arising from SEND Reform, Oxfordshire SEND Support Services has shared a number of important updates to help strengthen support for children and young people with SEND, focus capacity where it is most needed during this period of transition, and support the development of the future Experts at Hand model.

Service and team name changes

  • SENSS has been rebranded as SENDISS – SEND and Inclusion Support Services. During the transition period, schools may continue to see both names used while updates are made across systems and communications.
  • The SENDISS Down Syndrome and Complex Needs Team will now be known as the SENDISS Cognition, Learning and Down Syndrome Team. The new name reflects the breadth of specialist support provided for children and young people with cognition and learning needs, including those with Down syndrome.
  • The two wings of SENDISS are now:
    • SENDISS Communication, Learning and Inclusion, comprising the Communication and Interaction, Cognition, Learning and Down Syndrome, and BIO teams, managed by Rachel Morrison.
    • SENDISS Sensory and Physical, comprising the Deaf and Hearing Support, Vision Impairment, Multi-Sensory Impairment, Physical Disabilities, Assistive Technology and Post-16 Sensory Support teams, managed by Tonia Harris.

Changes to service delivery

In light of SEND Reforms, some SENDISS teams will be working slightly differently between now and October half term to support preparation for the changes required to allow health, education and school colleagues to shape the future work of Experts at Hand.

For SENDISS Communication and Interaction (C&I), advisory work will focus on supporting pupils with the highest levels of need this half term. Advisory teachers will prioritise pupils already on caseloads and may limit new referrals to those requiring urgent support. Caseload meetings will not take place in the usual format, although advisory teachers will remain in contact with schools. Attendance and report writing for Annual Reviews will continue to be prioritised on a case-by-case basis.

For all other SENDISS teams, services, team names and ways of working remain unchanged at this time.

Support for children and young people, their families and school partners will continue throughout this period, and existing referral pathways remain unchanged.