Priority 3: access to information
We are committed to ensuring that children and young people with disabilities, and their families, have access to clear, accessible, and up-to-date information. This empowers to make informed choices and access support and opportunities they need.
Both the Local Authority and schools must ensure that all information is:
- easy to find and understand, using plain language
- available in different formats, such as large print, easy read, audio, braille, or translated versions
- adapted to individual needs, including visual supports or audio formats
- reviewed with input from families and CYP
The School will:
- ensure the school website is statutory compliant (has on there what needs to be on there) and is accessible (Appendix 3)
- publish Accessibility Plans on school websites, showing how curriculum access is being improved
- provide documents in accessible formats such as easy read, large print, braille when requested
- use alternative communication methods, for example, visual supports, audio
- include actions to improve access to information in their Accessibility Plan
- publish and review the SEN Information Report annually
- clearly link to the SEND Local Offer on their website
- follow specialist advice when adapting information for individual needs
- involve pupils and families in decisions about how information is shared
The Local Authority will:
- maintain and update the Local Offer to ensure it is accurate, accessible, and easy to navigate: www.livewellsouthend.com/SENDLocalOffer
- publish on the council website and SLN portal or equivalent our Accessibility Statement
- work with Health and Social Care to ensure joined-up, accessible information
- provide interpreters, including British Sign Language (BSL) where needed
- support maintained schools to know their duties around meeting website accessibility compliance
- keep schools informed of national and local developments
- consult with pupils and families in developing and reviewing local strategies
- provide accessible information for pupils with disabilities and their families