More than 90% of people who contacted an information service for Reading families who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) found it helpful or very helpful, new figures show.

A survey about the Reading SEND Local Offer, provided by Brighter Futures for Children, was completed by 10 times more people than last year with a vast majority giving the service a thumbs-up.

One lucky Reading mum who responded was picked out the hat to win a £50 shopping voucher which she collected with her son last week (see picture).

The Reading SEND Local Offer aims to provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about all support and services available to Reading families with children with SEND

A total of 636 parent carers, young people, voluntary organisations and professionals took part in the annual survey this year compared with 63 in 2022.

Of those who had used the service, 97% said they found the information they were looking for and 93% said they found it helpful or very helpful.

The Reading SEND Local Offer website was given a major refresh last November and its comprehensive information, look and feel and ease of navigation were among the top features users liked.

Families also said they would like the site to have more advice and guidance, more information on support services and on activities available.

Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We really wanted to hear from as many people as possible so we can continually improve the SEND Local Offer, so we made a big effort to publicise the survey far and wide. We also offered a £50 shopping voucher as an added incentive for people to take part.

“We were thrilled with the response and delighted that so many families who use the service were so positive.

“However, this certainly does not mean we are complacent. People have told us what improvements could be made and we will focus on those areas so we can be an even better source of advice and information for Reading families with children with SEND.”

Visit the Reading SEND Local Offer at: Reading Directory | Special Educational Needs & Disabilities – Reading’s Local Offer.

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Picture: Mum Carla and her son Noah were both very happy to collect their £50 shopping voucher after winning the Reading SEND Local Offer annual survey prize draw.
  • The Reading SEND Local Offer annual survey was co-produced with Reading Families’ Forum and ran in November and December 2022.
  • The Local Offer annual report and survey results can be found at: Reading Directory | Local Offer Feedback & Consultations
  • In November 2022, the Reading Family Information Service, which provides the Reading SEND Local Offer, won the award for Best Community Engagement at the National Association of Family Information Services Coram Family & Childcare Conference. The team was named the Best SEND Local Offer in the country the previous year.