Supporting SEND reform: developing the Experts at Hand offer
Guidance and documents setting out expectations for local authorities and integrated care boards to develop and deliver their Experts at Hand offer in year 1.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This guidance outlines the government’s ambition to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We aim to achieve this by:
- supporting local authorities and integrated care boards to establish a clear, locally tailored Experts at Hand offer from 2026 to 2027
- improving early identification of needs and providing timely, evidence-based support within mainstream settings
- building workforce capability across education, health and care through access to specialist advice and coaching
- strengthening collaboration across services to deliver more joined-up, inclusive support
The supporting materials provide further detail on delivery expectations, implementation considerations and practical tools to help areas embed their offer during the first year.
There are also documents that summarise the Experts at Hand guidance for parents and mainstream settings.
We have separately published the Experts at Hand and local authority transformation fund methodology, final allocations and conditions of this grant for local authorities. The conditions of grant provide more detail on the purpose, expectations and permitted use of this funding.