A plan to transform health, care and education provision for children and young people with SEND was approved at Cornwall Council’s Cabinet meeting today (Wednesday, June 17).
The Cornwall SEND Reform Plan outlines how the council and its partners intend to incorporate the government’s sweeping reforms to the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) system.
It focuses on identifying and responding to children’s needs at the earliest opportunity meaning they are then less likely to require costly specialist intervention later in life.
In line with the new Education For All Bill, the plan also stresses the need to strengthen SEND support in mainstream schools.
The government requires all local authorities to submit a SEND Reform Plan to secure the High Needs Stability Grant, which will pay off up to 90% of their historic SEND deficit.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said:
“We want to move from a system that reacts when needs have already escalated, to one that identifies and responds to needs earlier, before children and families reach crisis point. We want support to be available because a child needs it, not because a family has successfully navigated a statutory process. And I want to be absolutely clear that this is not a plan to reduce support. It is a plan to get support to children earlier and more effectively.
“If we get this right, fewer families will feel like they are having to fight for help. More children will be supported in their local communities. Every child educated closer to home is a child spending less time travelling, more time learning, and more time enjoying family and community life.”
Cultural Strategy
Cabinet also discussed the Council’s new cultural strategy, which is due to be launched at the end of this month.
From community events, such as festivals or clubs, to large events with amazing performers, culture is embedded within Cornish communities and reflects Cornwall’s distinctiveness as the UK’s Fifth Nation.
The strategy reaffirms the Council’s commitment to support people, projects and places that contribute to the Cornwall’s rich and diverse cultural offering.
Cllr Sarah Preece, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Localism and Planning, said:
"This is not just a strategy for the arts; it is a strategy for people. It recognises that culture is not confined to galleries or theatres; it lives in our towns and villages, in our festivals, in our music, and in the everyday creativity of our residents. From world-renowned institutions to local community groups, culture touches every corner of Cornwall.”
She added: “Let us embrace this vision of Cornwall as a Creation Nation, a place that honours its past, celebrates its present, and shapes its future through creativity.
"When we support creativity, we unlock potential. And when we come together through shared experiences, we build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities."
Belonging in Cornwall Strategy
The Belonging in Cornwall Strategy was also approved following some changes after a period of consultation. This strategy sets out the Council’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion over the next four years, working with organisations and partners across Cornwall to support residents to thrive, regardless of background, identity or circumstance.
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said:
“The strategy presented sets out Cornwall Council’s 2026 – 2030 equality objectives and our overall ambitions and commitments. It shows how the Council is giving expression to our values of fairness, ambition, inclusion and respect for one and all.
“Our ambition is to build a Cornwall where everyone feels they belong.”
Local Transport Consolidated Funding
Also on the agenda was the Local Transport Consolidated Funding plan, which sets out how the Council plans to use the government's long-term funding settlement for transport across Cornwall.
The Cabinet welcomed the switch from bidding for funding on a scheme-by-scheme basis to a longer-term programme approach but emphasised the change does not represent extra funding overall.
Tamar Valley National Landscape Management Plan
Finally, Cabinet agreed to adopt a new action plan to protect and enhance the Tamar Valley National Landscape over the next five years.
The plan provides a framework for the Council and partners such as farmers, landowners, communities, charities and businesses, to work together to conserve the valley’s natural beauty, heritage and environment.
Cllr Hilary Frank, speaking on behalf of Cllr Loic Rich, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“This landscape matters. Anyone who has watched the tide turn at Cotehele or Wacker Quay, walked their dog on Churchtown Farm, or looked out across the Valley from Kit Hill will know why. It is one of the most remarkable places in the South West, shaped by its rivers, its mining and farming heritage, its wildlife and the communities who call it home.
“The Management Plan before us provides the framework for conserving and enhancing that landscape over the next five years, bringing together priorities around nature recovery, climate resilience, heritage and community wellbeing.”