Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan 2025–2035
Oxfordshire-Learning.pdf (7.4 MB)
Oxfordshire Learning Disability Plan 2025–2035
Adults with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire deserve the opportunity to live full, meaningful and independent lives. Our new ten‑year Learning Disability Plan sets out how we will work together, with people with lived experience, families, carers, and professionals, to make this a reality. This plan has been co-produced from the start, reflecting what people told us matters most to them.
A whole‑system commitment
This plan forms part of a broader system‑wide approach involving key partners including the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB), Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, district and city councils, the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP), and voluntary and community organisations such as Oxfordshire Family Support Network (OxFSN), My Life My Choice (MLMC) and Style Acre. Working together ensures that support is joined‑up, consistent and focused on what matters to people.
Shaped by lived experience
More than 160 people took part in consultation during June and July 2025, including over 95 people with a learning disability. This built on extensive engagement throughout 2024, where:
- 81 people attended a Learning Disability Plan World Café event, including 18 people with a learning disability, 19 family carers and 31 professionals.
- 32 people took part in dedicated engagement sessions.
- 49 people with a learning disability and 21 staff joined open focus groups across five Community Support Services.
- 24 people submitted Sharing Your Story forms.
Their experiences shaped the priorities, tone and design of the plan.
Oversight is provided by the Learning Disability Improvement Board, which includes people with learning disabilities and their families. The Board continues to ensure their voices guide decisions and progress.
Our vision
We want Oxfordshire to be a place where every person with a learning disability has choice, opportunity and the right support to thrive. The plan sets out a shared commitment to inclusion, independence, strengths‑based support and partnership working across the whole system.
What the plan focuses on
The plan is structured around four key themes identified by people with learning disabilities and those who support them:
1. Having a good life
Supporting people to access employment, friendships, relationships and meaningful participation in their communities.
2. Health and wellbeing
Improving access to health services, promoting prevention, and supporting people to live healthier lives. This links closely with the county’s Physical Health Strategy.
3. Having a place to live
Expanding housing options, supported living and opportunities for greater independence.
4. Homes not hospitals
Providing the right support in communities so people can live well at home, reducing the need for hospital admissions.
Cross‑cutting themes, including life transitions, workforce, assistive technology, and equality, diversity and inclusion, run across every part of the plan.
How we will deliver the strategy
Specialist sub‑groups, made up of professionals and experts by experience, are co‑designing detailed workplans for each theme. These dynamic plans will evolve as people’s needs and priorities change. The Learning Disability Improvement Board oversees the work and ensures ongoing accountability.
The plan will also undergo major reviews at years 3, 5 and 7, ensuring it remains relevant and continues to reflect the voices of the people it serves.
Accessible and inclusive communication
All materials will be made accessible — including easy‑read versions, BSL videos, symbol‑supported formats and real‑life stories that bring the plan to life. Communications are co‑produced with individuals, families and advocacy groups to make them meaningful and inclusive.
Why this matters
People with learning disabilities experience significant inequalities, and this plan represents a whole‑system commitment to changing that. As Councillor Tim Bearder has said, this work is about listening and acting, building a county where everyone is included, supported and empowered to thrive.
