Valuing SEND (VSEND) Tool
The Valuing SEND approach is part of the local authority SEND toolkit for settings and schools, to ensure children and young people with SEND have access to high quality local provision that meets their needs and enables them to achieve their potential best possible outcomes. The tool provides a single, rounded picture of children’s needs and the support they require to succeed and prosper. It informs planning at both individual and whole school level and provides key information for referrals to Specialist Services, requests for EHC Needs Assessments and decision-making panels linked to requests for changes of placement.
The aim of Valuing SEND is to standardise the approach to identifying needs earlier and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Using the VSEND tool and approach in practice:
- establishes a common language when describing levels of need and enables planning of how to meet needs.
- supports the work of professionals and promotes collaboration between staff and parents.
- supports the child - enabling tracking of progress made and supporting annual review and transition planning
- enables settings and professionals to build a peer support network and share best practice and support strategies
- supports settings to identify gaps and areas for further development (resource / budget allocation, training and recruitment)
VSEND training
Please find below details of full VSEND Training (online) taking place in the Summer term 2026:
- Primary and Secondary - 22nd June (1.00 - 2.30pm) - joining link on the flyer
- Early Years - 9th July 2026 (9.30 - 11.00am) - booking link on flyer
The training is for those who have not used VSEND before, those who wish to have a refresh of it and anyone wishing to find out more about it. There is no charge to attend.
Please also follow this link to find all of the training offers (outlines, date, times, links) from the HCC SEND SAS teams.