Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland councils and the clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for the area are carrying out engagement on a new, draft Joint Commissioning Strategy for services that support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The strategy is a high-level vision for joint commissioning, which states that partners will "Work together across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to improve the outcomes for children and young people with SEND". It also sets out priorities for the focus of joint working over the next three years.

Views are now being sought from anyone, including children and young people, parents and carers, schools and colleges, early years settings and employers, who may wish to contribute to this important subject.

Coun David Wilby, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: "This is an important milestone for our children and young people, as well as everyone working in childcare and young people's SEND services.

"We strive for the highest standard of care and, to be effective, we must continue to combine collaborative expertise and experience and use best practice as we safeguard our children and give them the opportunity to develop their full potential.

"Over the next few weeks, I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to contribute and help us to shape our vision for the future"

Anyone with an interest in the consultation can take a look at the draft strategy and share their views by visiting the consultation website: https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk/communications/send-commissioning-strategy

The consultation will run until Sunday 31 January 2021.