A message from Peter-John Wilkinson, Assistant Director of Schools and Learning, Surrey County Council

"Surrey has been selected as a pathfinder for work coming out of the special educational needs (SEN) Green Paper. The aim of the pathfinder project is to design, develop and test a new assessment and resource delivery mechanism for the most vulnerable children, including those who are looked after or who have complex needs. The project is designed to ensure that the needs of all vulnerable children between the ages of 0-25 are met by all key agencies – education, health and social care - collaboratively. The Government wants to see children and their families at the centre of this work and to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication – not aims with which many people are likely to disagree. There will be a four-month period of consultation and then particular proposals will be tested in local areas. These local pathfinders should help determine the best ways to achieve the Government’s aims. We are pleased to have the opportunity to test these new ways of working in Surrey and look forward to working with our health and social colleagues to develop new ways to make sure the needs of the most vulnerable children and young people are met."

Find out more at: http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/sen/b00191706/send-green-paper-pathfinders