Ofsted and CQC publish report following Essex SEND inspection

Essex has obtained the ‘middle’ end result beneath the brand new inspection framework.

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have printed their inspection report on Essex SEND providers.

This was the primary time the Essex SEND system has been inspected beneath the brand new nationwide framework. 

The framework units out three doable outcomes slightly than a single ranking. The native space partnership has obtained the ‘middle’ end result. The partnership is made up of Essex County Council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) in Essex.

This end result states that ‘preparations result in inconsistent experiences and outcomes for youngsters and younger folks with SEND, and the native space partnership should work collectively to make enhancements’.

The report highlights identified challenges inside the Essex SEND system. The partnership has been working laborious to deal with these lately.

These challenges are in line with the nationwide SEND image. More than half of the areas already inspected have obtained this end result. This displays the numerous and rising pressures dealing with SEND methods throughout the nation. Local space partnerships have been working laborious to satisfy rising ranges of want and ship the appropriate help for youngsters and younger folks.

The report confirms no new areas of concern had been recognized through the inspection. It additionally highlights present strengths inside the system, together with the readability and energy of system management.

Essex has been on a SEND enchancment journey for a number of years, with vital investments. This features a latest £1.5 million funding from the County Council. The cash will guarantee capability stays in place to handle the excessive variety of schooling, well being and care wants evaluation requests.

Work is already underway to deal with the suggestions within the inspection report. These enhancements are aligned with key areas for SEND reform set out within the Government’s Schools White Paper. These embrace a give attention to early assist, rising capability and strengthening mainstream inclusion.

Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council’s Reform UK Group and Leader Elect, mentioned: “We need the Essex SEND system to supply all kids, younger folks and their households with constant and efficient help.

“The report is a crucial doc for us to grasp how Essex is performing, and the place we should always focus our consideration to make enhancements. My political colleagues and I are dedicated to proceed the work to enhance the service in partnership with faculties, companions and naturally households themselves.”

Tom Abell, Chief Executive at NHS Essex ICB, mentioned:

 “We are pleased to see that the CQC noted the progress that has been made in Essex and the strong partnerships that we have to improve the support children and young people with SEND receive, but we recognise there remains much to be done so that every child and young person gets the consistent high quality support they need.  We will continue to work to make services better in Essex, in partnership with children, young people and their families.”

Read the ultimate inspection report here.