Accessibility on the Local Offer
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice 2014 (SEND CoP) states that arrangements must be published for how the Local Offer is available for those who cannot access the website. Local authorities must also enable access for different groups, including disabled people and those with different types of SEN (SEND CoP 2014, 4.62).
We are committed to working together across agencies to improve the accessibility of the Local Offer which will ensure the best outcomes for children, young people and families with SEND.
The Swindon Local Offer is for people of all ages and abilities, including people with learning disabilities and people who find reading difficult. The Local Offer website explains abbreviations and terms you may not know. A jargon buster is available to explain these terms.
There are also easy-to-read versions of complicated processes available on the website. These downloads simplify processes and make them easier for younger people to understand.
For people whose first language is not English, these pages work with various online translation apps such as:
There are a number of ways you can access information on the services and advice available for Swindon residents:
- The website – The Local Offer website contains information about services available for all Swindon residents, dependent on level of need. The website is compatible with mobile phone and tablet use. You can also access the website at your local library.
- Face to face – representatives from the Local Offer attend events across Swindon throughout the year to reach as many people we believe will benefit from using the services the Local Offer promotes.
- The Local Offer YouTube Channel – a channel where original Swindon SEND video content about services aimed at children and young people with SEND and their families. The content has been made by the professionals that support children, young people and families, as well as by some young people with SEND and their families. All videos have captions available.
- The SEND News Splash - a weekly short SEND newsletter with advice and information on services is available for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals that work with them. Anyone who would like to be added to the mailing list can email the Local Offer at localoffer@swindon.gov.uk.
- The SEND Families News Splash – a monthly newsletter for parents of children or young people with SEND. You can subscribe to SEND Families News Splash on request by emailing localoffer@swindon.gov.uk. Let us know whether you are a young person, parent/carer or professional.
- Summer Activities News Splash – an annual summer activity SEND newsletter with activities and events that children and young people can participate in over the summer holidays
For more information about our commitment to accessibility, read our accessibility statement.
