SEND Local IMPACT Teams
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As part of the wider SEN Reform Agenda, the EA is reforming its services and driving earlier intervention for children and young people who are at Stage 2 of the SEND Code of Practice (before a statutory assessment may be required). This is through the establishment of integrated SEND support teams, called SEND Local IMPACT Teams, which have been designed to wrap services and support the needs of the child or young person and their school.
The implementation of this new network of 28 SEND Local IMPACT Teams means more children with SEND across Northern Ireland will receive earlier, more tailored support. The new model allows each Team to provide tailored support to pupils and their schools regardless of the type of needs presenting, at the earliest possible point in their educational journey.
Key details of the SEND Local IMPACT Teams model include:
- A single access point to EA advice and support, which has brought together eight previously separate SEND pupil support services into a single co-ordinated and multi-specialism service which wraps around the need of each child. Each team includes specialists in areas such as Cognition and Learning, Language and Communication and Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Well Being Needs.
- Each local Team will be able to build strong, supportive relationships with schools across their catchment area and develop and in-depth knowledge of the local issues faced.
- A single phone number for schools, and parents/carers to access advice and guidance.