STORY
The Government has begun the roll-out of new Experts at Hand teams to provide specialist support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ministers said the service would help families access support without always needing a formal diagnosis first.
The teams are intended to bring specialist expertise into schools and communities, reducing the need for families to navigate lengthy assessment routes before help is available. The Government said the programme was backed by a wider £1.8 billion investment in SEND support.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (in photo) said the aim was to end the postcode lottery faced by families seeking help. Guidance for local areas has been published, alongside the appointment of a national panel of experts to help shape the new system.