Cornwall SEND services face both praise and challenges in inspection report
The inspection into Special Educational Needs and Disabilities reveals both strengths and areas needing improvement
SEND services across Cornwall have received a mixed evaluation following an inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with strengths and areas for improvement identified in the recent report.
The inspection, carried out in March, led to the publication of a report on 27th May recognising strong leadership and the commitment to early identification of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
However, concerns regarding service accessibility and communication with families of SEND children are highlighted as areas needing attention.
Cornwall's inspection outcome, rated in the middle of a new framework scale, described inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND, urging for joint improvements by the Cornwall Local Area Partnership.
The inspection lauded early years teams and SEND system leaders for their effective oversight and quality support, noting the compassion and knowledge of health, education, and social care staff.
Challenges noted include prolonged waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments and unclear communication concerning them, inconsistent EHCPs, and delays in accessing educational placements.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, and Families at Cornwall Council, acknowledged the report's findings and committed to improvements.
Susan Bracefield, Chief Clinical Officer at NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, also welcomed the inspection report, highlighting staff dedication but recognising the need to improve communication and reduce delays.
Cllr Frank said: “I am pleased that inspectors have recognised the commitment and professionalism of staff across Cornwall, and the many strengths in the support being provided for children and young people with SEND and their families.
"At the same time, we recognise the areas where improvement is needed and fully accept the importance of addressing them. We also recognise the frustration many families feel when support is delayed or communication is unclear, and we know we must do better.
"We are committed to driving the improvements identified through the inspection, working alongside schools, health services and families to improve communication, strengthen support and reduce waiting times.
"The findings give us a clear basis for continuing to improve services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Cornwall.”
Susan Bracefield added: “We welcome this report which recognises the strong commitment across our partnership to identifying and supporting children and young people with SEND at an early stage.
"It is encouraging that inspectors have highlighted the compassion, expertise and dedication of staff working across health, education and care services, as well as the progress we have made in strengthening leadership and oversight.
"However, we fully acknowledge the areas where improvement is needed, particularly around waiting times, access to services and how we communicate with families. We know the impact delays and unclear information can have, and we are determined to address this.
"We will continue to work closely with our partners, schools and families to build on what is working well and to make the improvements needed to ensure every child and young person with SEND receives timely, high-quality support and achieves the best possible outcomes.”
There will be an update to the strategic improvement plan in light of the inspection findings, with the next full area SEND inspection expected within three years.