What a council's Local Offer actually is, what it has to publish, and how it's different from an individual EHC plan.
The Local Offer is a page every local authority in England has to publish, setting out the services and support generally available in its area for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
Section 30 of the Children and Families Act 2014 requires every local authority to publish this information, and to keep it up to date, developed with input from children, young people, and parents in the area.
The Local Offer describes what's generally available across the whole area, it isn't specific to any one child. An EHC plan, by contrast, is an individual legal document describing one child's needs and the specific provision the local authority must arrange for them.
Reading a Local Offer page can be overwhelming, it's often long and written for professionals as much as parents. SEND Assistant can help you find what's actually relevant to your situation. Try SEND Assistant free.
Where do I find my local authority's Local Offer?
It's usually published on the local authority's own website, often under a "SEND Local Offer" or similar heading.
Does the Local Offer tell me what my child is entitled to?
Not directly, it describes what's generally available in the area. What your child is specifically entitled to depends on their own EHC plan, if they have one.
Can I contribute to how the Local Offer is developed?
Yes, local authorities are required to involve children, young people, and parents when developing and reviewing it.
Is the Local Offer the same in every local authority?
No, each local authority publishes its own, so provision described can vary between areas.
Does the Local Offer cover post-16 education and training?
Yes, it's meant to cover the full 0 to 25 age range, including further education and training options.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Access to Justice is not a law firm and cannot represent you.