New council boss hired after critical SEND report

Sarah-Jane Smedmor is director of children's services at Central Bedfordshire Council, but will move to Suffolk in July

A council has hired a new senior director following a highly critical report over its special educational needs and disabilities services (SEND).

Sarah-Jane Smedmor has been named as the new executive director for children and young people services at Suffolk County Council.

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) previously said too many children "get lost in the system and fall through the cracks".

Claire Smith, chairwoman of the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum, said the group "welcome" the news and were "hopeful" Ms Smedmor would bring improvements.

'Massive task'

The group is due to meet with Ms Smedmor this week.

"We know what we need for Suffolk and what will improve the situation - that'll be actions because actions speak louder than words every time," Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said she appreciated that improving SEND services was a "massive task" and that the level of work needed could not be "underestimated".

"It's not going to be overnight," she continued.

"There is not a quick fix for this so we do need to have a level of patience but we also do need to see changes quickly."

'Wealth of experience'

Following the report from Ofsted and the CQC, three senior councillors resigned saying their roles had "become a distraction" from the council's "vital work".

Ms Smedmor, who started her career as a social worker, is the director of children's services at Central Bedfordshire Council.

She starts her new role in July and will be responsible for children in care, education and SEND, safeguarding, youth justice, and fostering and adoption.

She will also be responsible for delivering the priority action plan as agreed by Ofsted following the inspection of services in November.

Matthew Hicks, Conservative leader of the county council, said Ms Smedmor's "wealth of experience will hugely benefit the services".