Sefton SPOT Teams honoured with national SEND award
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
A service in Sefton has been recognised on the national stage after winning the Partnership for Early Years Inclusion category at the Council for Disabled Children SEND Awards 2026.
The North and South Sefton SPOT Teams, hosted by Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, received the award in recognition of their strong partnership working and inclusive practice supporting young children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Sefton.
The service is made up of speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists and supports children aged 0 to 4 across clinics, homes and nurseries. Their work focuses on early identification and intervention, helping children and families access coordinated support at the earliest opportunity.
The teams were recognised for their multi-agency approach, including close collaboration with families, portage services and inclusion consultants to promote inclusion and support smooth transitions into nursery and school settings. Their inclusive, play-centred community play therapy sessions were also highlighted for creating welcoming ‘safe spaces’ for families.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Clinical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the North and South Sefton SPOT Teams on this well-deserved national recognition. This award reflects the passion, collaboration and commitment shown every day by colleagues across health, education and community services to ensure children and families receive the right support as early as possible.
“The teams’ joined-up approach is making a real difference for children across Sefton, helping them to thrive in inclusive environments and giving them the best possible start in life. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact these services continue to have for local families.”
Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said:
“Winning this national SEND Award is a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition of the dedication, expertise and compassion of our North and South Sefton SPOT Teams. Their work is making a real difference to children and families by providing early, inclusive support that helps every child get the best possible start in life.
“This recognition reflects exactly what our recent Ofsted SEND inspection highlighted: strong partnership working, effective early identification and a shared commitment to putting children and families at the heart of everything we do. The SPOT Teams are a brilliant example of that approach in action, and we are incredibly proud of the impact they continue to have across Sefton.”
Lisa Cooper, Director of Community & Mental Health Services at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I am delighted and proud of Sefton Community SPOT Team’s fantastic achievement at the National SEND Awards. This recognition shines a light on the extraordinary dedication, innovation, and compassion the team brings to children and families in Sefton every day. It’s wonderful to see their commitment to inclusive practice and partnership working celebrated on such a national stage. Their play centred therapy sessions, collaborative planning, and focus on early intervention are making a real difference, ensuring that children get the support they need to thrive right from the start.”
Organised by the Council for Disabled Children, the SEND Awards celebrate collaborative systems, innovation and service improvement in SEND services across England. The Partnership for Early Years Inclusion category recognises Early Years teams that help all children thrive through joined-up, inclusive approaches.
The full list of winners from the 2026 awards ceremony can be viewed on the Council for Disabled Children website.