Specialist Outreach
The Specialist Outreach pilot is now closing to new requests as we have reached capacity for the remainder of 2025/2026 academic year.
We are looking at how to continue the offer of Specialist Outreach in the future, especially in the light of the newly published White Paper "Every child achieving and thriving."
We will share details shortly through the usual channels:
- Weekly Tuesday Education Update (click here if you are not already subscribed)
- Half-termly SEND and Inclusion newsletter (click here if you are not already subscribed)
- SEND and Inclusion Network Meetings (click here)
- Headteacher briefings (primary and secondary)
The Specialist Outreach was run as a pilot during the 2025/26 academic year and funded through the SEND and AP Change Program. It was free for schools for the duration of the pilot. Its aim was to build capacity in schools to meet the needs of children with complex SEND needs within their mainstream setting and was open to pupils from Reception to Y11.
Outreach Specialists work with up to 6 pupils where there are similar presenting needs and the children are within the same class/cohort/provision. Outreach is delivered as a block of up to 8 sessions (12 for a group) over an extended period to time (at least 2 terms).
The Outreach Specialists are staff from Severndale, Keystone, NDPs, MATi and some primary SEND Hubs.
As Outreach is intended to build capacity within schools to meet need, there is an expectation that Headteachers will be fully involved in the Outreach and commit to embedding the learning and expertise across the school.
If you have any comments or further questions, please contact Sarah Court (sarah.court@shropshire.gov.uk).