The Department for Education has published the first year of guidance for the new Experts at Hand offer, a key part of the government’s ongoing SEND reform programme.
The guidance outlines how local areas can begin developing and delivering the Experts at Hand approach during its first year of implementation. The aim is to strengthen support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families by improving access to expertise, advice, and coordinated support across education, health, and care services.
The full guidance can be accessed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-send-reform-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/developing-and-delivering-the-experts-at-hand-offer-in-year-1-supporting-guidance
What Does This Mean for Parent Carer Forums?
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) has welcomed the publication of the guidance and has released a statement highlighting the important role that Parent Carer Forums will play in shaping local discussions and implementation plans.
The NNPCF emphasises that meaningful co-production with parent carers will be essential to ensuring that the Experts at Hand offer reflects the needs and experiences of families. Parent Carer Forums are encouraged to engage with local authorities, health partners, and SEND leaders as plans develop over the coming months.
You can read the NNPCF statement here:
https://nnpcf.org.uk/2026/06/05/nnpcf-welcomes-publication-of-experts-at-hand-guidance/
Stay Involved
Hackney SEND Parent Carer Forum will continue to monitor developments and engage with local partners regarding the implementation of the Experts at Hand offer.
We encourage parent carers to read the guidance and NNPCF statement to understand the proposed changes and how they may influence future SEND support and services.
Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
