THE biggest reforms in a generation are set to change the lives of children and young people with special educational needs in York.

The new Children and Families Act, which became law yesterday, puts such youngsters and their families at the heart of planning for their support and future.

City of York Council said its Disability and Special Educational Needs Services had been working with local families for the last two years to prepare for the reforms and were invited to meet government officials earlier this year in recognition of their work.

A spokeswoman said families and professionals had developed new education, health and care plans for children and young people that set out in one place all the support families received.

Cllr Janet Looker, Cabinet member for Children, said that through the changes, York had continued to be a national trailblazer for services for disabled children.