Somerset residents are being asked for their views on how children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can be better supported.

Somerset Council currently spends a significant chunk of its annual revenue budget on children's services, which includes children being placed into care and providing education support for SEND children.

Demand for children's services has been steadily rising in recent years, with the council struggling to provide the expected levels of service with the funding it receives, both nationally (though central government grants) and locally (via council tax).

Following a Westminster Hall debate on SEND funding – attended by two of the county's seven MPs – the council launched a consultation on Monday (September 9) on how SEND provision could be delivered in the future, and is urging parents and carers to give their views before Hallowe'en.

The current "broken" system for supporting SEND children is under immense pressure both in Somerset and nationally, with costs continuing to rise and children's needs not being addressed or met as quickly as any party would desire.

To address the situation, the council has put forward the following seven proposals:

1. Give any school that is educating a child with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) equivalent funding
2. Phase in over time equivalent funding for specific groups of children
3. Retain funding centrally for children who need specific services, to make sure that they receive them
4. Develop a model of provision to provide stronger support for children who need something other than mainstream education, but that actively supports them to return to mainstream education
5. Incentivise schools to be inclusive and disincentivise them to exclude SEND children, including on financial ground
6. Provide short-term, interim and emergency funding to schools for pupils with additional needs, regardless of whether a plan is in place and without lengthy approvals
7. Establish annual time-scales each academic year for requesting placement changes and confirming forward funding

Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for children, families and education, said: "We are dedicated to creating an educational environment where every child, regardless of their needs, can thrive.

"This consultation is a crucial step in ensuring that our funding and support systems are fair and effective.

"We encourage everyone to participate and share their views to help us shape a more inclusive future for all our children."

To take part in the consultation, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/childrens-services/funding-provision-additional-needs by October 18.

Paper copies of the consultation will be made available on request at Bridgwater, Taunton, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil libraries.

Once the feedback has been analysed, proposals for any changes will come before the council's children and families scrutiny committee in November before going on to the executive committee for final approval.