Diagnostics Projects 2 & 3: DCS & Peer Challenge

Peer Challenge in the South East

The 2025-2026 cycle of SEND Courageous Conversations project supports What Works in SEND Enablers 2. Please click the here for more details of these

Peer challenge is a proven tool for improvement for councils. This year we are running two programmes:

SE DCS Peer Challenge (annual cycle)

SEND Courageous Conversations (annual cycle), a development from the Topical Peer Challenge cycle

The SEND Courageous Conversations have developed from the topical peer challenge process. These are commissioned by a single council and involve a small team of peers and partners spending time at the council to provide challenge and share learning. It involves engaging with a wide range of people connected with the council (including health, education and third sector partners) involvement, not just local authority staff. and the findings are delivered immediately.

The DCS and Lead Member triad/quartet peer challenge process involves participants from three or four authorities meeting once every year or every two years. These facilitated events are structured around authority and lead member self-assessments, with informed challenge and support from peer colleagues.