Council apologises to families over SEND provision

Tim Oliver said he would not "defend the indefensible"

The leader of Surrey County Council has apologised to families who have been let down over the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.

Parents have told the BBC that getting support for their children, including education, health and care plans, felt "scary" and like "fighting with a brick wall".

Council leader Tim Oliver said he would not “defend the indefensible,” but added that an independent review had found many examples of good practice and the Department for Education and Ofsted had “endorsed” changes being made.

Councillor Fiona Davidson, who chairs the council's children, families, lifelong learning and culture select committee, said progress was "extraordinarily slow".

Six Surrey MPs raised concerns in August that the county's provision for children with additional needs was in "crisis"

Mr Oliver said the council was investing £240m in SEND, including creating nearly 6,000 specialist school places and dealing with children's assessments more quickly.

“Yes, we absolutely need to improve our communications with parents and families,” he said.

"Yes, we absolutely need to get this right first time, every time and yes, we must absolutely focus on giving all children the very best start in life and whatever support is appropriate to meet their needs.”

He also called on councillors, council officers, MPs, and ministers to work together to “deliver the best service".

Ms Davidson said: “We are not quickly enough addressing the needs of our parents and carers and children who have additional needs and disabilities.

“We should be trying to address these issues as quickly and as holistically as we can, and although I absolutely acknowledge the good work which is going on…we are not doing it comprehensively enough.”