Guidance

Supporting SEND reform: developing the Experts at Hand offer

Information for local authorities, integrated care boards, those leading and working in mainstream settings, parents and carers on our expectations in year 1.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 5 June 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Experts at Hand: developing and delivering the offer in year 1

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Experts at Hand: what those leading and working in mainstream settings need to know

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Experts at Hand: what parents of children and young people with special educational needs need to know

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Details

This guidance explains how the Experts at Hand offer will help improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs or disability (SEND).

Experts at Hand will:

• help local authorities and integrated care boards establish a local offer from 2026 to 2027
• identify needs earlier and provide timely, evidence-based support in mainstream settings 
• build workforce capability across education, health and care through access to specialist advice and coaching
• help services work together to provide more joined-up support

The guidance explains delivery expectations and includes practical tools to help local areas develop their offer in the first year.

Summaries of the guidance are available:

• for those working in mainstream settings
• to share with parents and carers

We have also published guidance for local authorities on the Experts at Hand and Local Authority SEND Transformation Fund, setting out the:

• methodology
• final allocations
• conditions of grant

The grant conditions explain how local authorities can use this funding and what is expected of them.

Published 5 June 2026