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Local offer: what you need to know

Find out what the local offer is and what it means for your school. See examples from different local authorities, and how schools refer to the local offer on their websites.

Last reviewed on 19 February 2024
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 9961
Contents
  1. What is the local offer?
  2. SENCOs should keep up to date with the local offer
  3. Find examples of local offers 
  4. See how other schools refer and link to the local offer

What is the local offer?

It sets out the support available in the local area for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities (including those without an education, health and care (EHC) plan).

The local offer is not the same as your SEND policy or SEN information report.

Local authorities (LAs) have a statutory duty to develop a local offer and publish it on their website.

This is so they can:

  • Provide clear, comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date information about available provision and how to access it
  • Make sure the provision responds to needs and aspirations by involving the local community, children/young people with SEND and service providers (including schools)

Schools must co-operate with the LA when the LA is developing and reviewing the local offer.

This is explained in chapter 4 of the SEND Code of Practice.

SENCOs should keep up to date with the local offer

You'll need to: