July 2025 Edition

Introduction from Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families

Hello everyone

Welcome to our latest SEND Newsletter.

This newsletter shares updates on our SEND Improvement Plan, service developments, local successes, and new resources. It is here to help us all work together more effectively to support children, young people, and families.

Thanks to all of you - schools, health colleagues, care professionals, parent carers and partners, for your ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Cheshire West and Chester.

Your ideas, partnership and hard work are central to delivering the changes our children, families and communities need.

Thank you for everything you do.

Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families

OUR IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND STRATEGY

Supporting Every Child to Thrive: Focus on Attendance and Inclusion

Cheshire West and Chester Council is highlighting the vital role that school attendance and inclusive practices play in helping all children and young people achieve their potential.

Regular attendance is strongly linked to improved academic outcomes, better social connections, and positive mental health. Inclusive schools build a sense of belonging, reduce stigma, and ensure tailored support for children and young people with SEND, enabling them to flourish.

Promoting attendance and inclusion also brings wider benefits—supporting smoother transitions to adulthood, reducing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training, and strengthening our communities and local economy.

Sal Thirlway, Director of Education and Inclusion, said: “School attendance is more than just turning up - it lays the foundation for everything from learning outcomes to mental wellbeing. When children with SEND are included meaningfully, we not only uphold their rights, but we also enrich the learning environment for all. And crucially, consistent attendance provides stability that helps young people build the confidence and skills they need for adulthood.

“Investing in attendance and inclusive practices delivers smart returns. It reduces future spending on interventions, keeps young people in education or employment, and helps us meet legal responsibilities. The economic case is clear: inclusive education supports not only the individual child—but society as a whole.”

This approach reflects our commitment to creating a fairer, more sustainable education system that supports all learners.

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