New report to serve as 'blueprint for change' for Suffolk's SEND services
This plan was a requirement following a damning Ofsted and CQC inspection in November 2023
A new report is to be used as a 'blueprint for immediate change' in Suffolk's SEND services.
The 177-page document looks into current arrangements, future anticipated need and looks at gaps and challenges in SEND provision.
It highlights the increasing demand for SEND services in the county, the challenges faced by families and professionals, and the importance of improving service provision to ensure equitable outcomes for all.
It also proposes a series of recommendations to further shape improvements to SEND services.
Known as the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Needs Assessment, the report will be discussed at Suffolk's Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday January 16.
Some of the key findings and recommendations in the report include:
- A significant rise in demand for SEND services, with projections suggesting further increases in the coming years
- The importance of early intervention, timely diagnoses, and accessible services to address complex and multiple needs
- Strategic priorities emphasising communication, transition support, and whole system improvements to meet evolving demands
The Suffolk Parent Carer Forum was involved in collating the report, with its chair, Claire Smith, saying: “Families' perspectives are essential for predicting the future of SEND in Suffolk and play a crucial role in recognising current and future gaps.
“It is vital we prioritise the outcomes for the children and young people of Suffolk.”
The recommendations made will become part of the Local Area Priority Action Plan for widescale SEND reform and improvement.
These include addressing delays in assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of SEND needs.
Another recommendation looks at the future planning for the provision of SEND services in Suffolk, noting that the needs and numbers of children and young people with SEND are likely to increase further in the coming years.
"A timely report furnishing us with data-rich analysis"
This plan was a requirement following a damning Ofsted and CQC inspection in November 2023, which outlined widespread systemic failings in Suffolk’s provision of services to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Sarah-Jane Smedmor, Executive Director of Children & Young People's Services at Suffolk County Council said: “This is a timely report furnishing us with data-rich analysis which will help us make big decisions about the future of SEND provision in Suffolk.
“It allows us to see the bigger picture by pulling together all the details around the children and young people who use our services, what support they need and where there may be gaps. It means we can identify priorities and plan our resources better to fulfil those needs.”
"Thorough and honest"
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive, NHS Norfolk & Waveney ICB, said: “The report is important as it allows us to understand the entire landscape of current SEND need and the services on offer, including any gaps or challenges that exist.
“It is deliberately thorough and honest highlighting the highs and lows of SEND provision. Some parts make for difficult reading – parts where it is easy to see how some current services are not working as well as they need to.
"In addition, there are sections where our services are exceeding expectation and having great results. We need the full picture in order to provide consistent and equal improvement."
"A useful resource for policymakers, practitioners, families, and the broader community"
Ed Garratt, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk & East Essex ICB, said: “Of significant importance, this needs assessment will prove a useful resource for policymakers, practitioners, families, and the broader community, serving as a foundation to achieve meaningful, lasting change in SEND provision across Suffolk.
“This report has been a huge undertaking, and our thanks go to the team who have dedicated their time to delivering this.”