Stoke-on-Trent City Council's special educational needs team has been recognised for major improvements in supporting children and young people with SEND.
The city council's Special Educational Needs Monitoring and Assessment Service (SENDMAS) received an award at the West Midlands ADCS Team Excellence Awards 2026, held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Friday 18 September.
What Has Improved
The team supports more than 3,800 children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Over the past year, the service has streamlined its assessment process and increased collaboration between schools, health services and the council.
As a result, more pupils are now being supported in mainstream schools, giving families greater choice and allowing children to learn alongside their peers.
Council Response
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children's services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We know how important timely support is for children and young people with SEND and their families. Despite growing demand, the team has made real progress in reducing delays and helping more children and young people get the help they need sooner."
She added: "We remain committed to building on this progress and continuing to provide the best possible service for families across Stoke-on-Trent."