What is DSPL?

DSPL is a Hertfordshire-wide partnership approach where parents, carers, staff in early years and school settings, further education colleges, local authority officers and representatives from other agencies, work together as part of an Area Group, to ensure that there is a range of provision and support services available in their local community for children and young people with SEND and their families that:

 

  • Meets the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), aged 0-25, as close to home as possible.
  • Widens choice for children and parers/carers
  • Removes barriers to learning
  • Improves outcomes for wellbeing and attainment
  • Uses resources more effectively
There are nine DSPL Area Groups across the county that meet regularly to discuss what services are available and to influence how services are shaped and developed to ensure the children and young people with SEND in their area receive the right support in their educational activities.

The DSPL County Group is made up of:

–    DSPL Area Group Chairs (Head teachers)
–    A Health care manager
–    Parents and carers
–    Representatives from:
  • Early Years settings
  • Primary Head teachers Forum (PHF)
  • Hertfordshire Association of Secondary School Head teachers (HASSH),
  • Special School Head teachers Forum (SSHF)
  • Local Authority Officers
The DSPL County Group meets three times a year and is accountable for ensuring the 9 DSPL areas are working in partnership both locally and across the county to provide the right support services for the children and young people with SEND.
This website aims to bring together information about support and services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, as well as their families, and teaching professionals. It also details the work of the St Albans, Harpenden and Villages DSPL7 initiative and how you can get involved.
Please contact us for more information.