 10 primary schools to provide very early multidisciplinary conversations involving clinicians. Results indicate a two-thirds reduction in ECHP assessment requests because clinicians were able to say whether a diagnosable condition was present and, where necessary, assess its severity. • One local authority was working with a health provider both to offer consultations and to develop the capacity of school staff to respond to presenting needs when appropriate. This was in direct response to a two-year wait for an assessment by a child development centre, during which time the child’s needs might otherwise go unmet and escalate. They were already seeing a slight reduction in school exclusions associated with the programme of work. • One London local authority had based a dedicated CAMHS team within children’s social care, working with social workers and families and providing consultation to schools and other professionals. 32 New policy announcement On taking up office in 2024, the government announced a review of both the national curriculum and statutory assessment system; exploring the barriers faced by children with SEND in mainstream schools is set to be central to the review. Responsibility for services for children with special educational needs and disabilities was also moved from the portfolio of the Children and Families Minister to the Minister for School Standards, indicating a shift in thinking in relation to SEND and how it fits in the wider education system. The government has also initiated a review of the NHS to inform the development of a new long-term strategic plan which is backed by a £22.6 billion investment in the Autumn Budget. Health services are an important part of the picture here. 33 3 Early help, family help Early help for children and fami