Central Bedfordshire Local Offer
Our Local Offer provides vital support and information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), from birth to 25 years, and their families. Delivered in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, SNAP Parent Carer Forum, health, education, social care professionals, and community organisations, it’s a user-friendly ‘one-stop shop’ that:
- Explains how SEND is identified and how to request an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Lists available education services, including early years, primary, secondary, specialist settings, colleges, training, and alternative provision
- Describes health services and how to access therapy and emotional wellbeing support
- Outlines social care and early help, such as assessments, respite, Building Resilience in Families (BRIF), and young carers support
- Highlights leisure, recreation, and travel, including inclusive activities, children’s centres, and transport arrangements
- Offers clear guidance on preparing for adulthood, featuring support with further education, employment, finance, independent living, and transitioning to adult services
- Provides independent advice and advocacy, including SENDIASS, IPSEA, and mediation for disputes, plus rights-based support for families
How Our Local Offer Works
- Parents, carers, children, and professionals can easily search or browse by category (e.g., Early Years, Health, Education, Leisure, Transitions).
- Information is regularly co-produced and updated with feedback from SNAP PCF, a forum enabling parent-led input.
- Annual newsletters, leaflets, and online guides explain key processes—like EHCPs, transport eligibility, and short breaks—alongside ‘You Said, We Did’ updates on service improvements.
How to Access Support
- Search online for the Local Offer at – https://localoffer.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/centralbedfordshire/directory/home.page
- Contact SENDIASS for free, impartial advice on EHCPs, mediation, and exclusions.
- Reach out to the Access and Referral Hub for social care support or early help. snappcf.org.uk
- Provide feedback using the online button or email – send.feedback@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Why It Matters
This Local Offer ensures families of children with SEND in Central Bedfordshire know:
- What support is available – in education, health, social care, transport, leisure, and beyond
- How to access help – from initial assessments and EHCPs to adult transition
- How to get support – through independent advice, financial guidance, and dispute resolution
- How to give input – by feeding back on services and influencing ongoing improvements
Our school website links directly to the Local Offer and encourages families to explore it and get involved in shaping future support.
