Inspectors demand action on special needs care

The demand for specialist school places could not be met, the report said

Inspectors have called for urgent action after finding widespread failings in Worcestershire's services for children with special needs.

Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspectors said failings had led to "significant concerns" about the experiences and outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the county.

Ultimately, too many children "wait an unacceptable time to have their needs accurately identified, assessed and met", said their report, following an inspection of the county's Local Area Partnership in April.

The partnership said the report had also recognised progress in some areas, but it apologised to those children "who have not received the timely support they need”.

Two years ago, more than 500 families signed an open letter demanding improved support for children with special needs in Worcestershire.

Ofsted rated children's services in Worcestershire as good overall last July. The inspection, which was carried out in May 2023, upgraded the services from requires improvement in July 2019.

The latest inspection found it was good in four out of five areas inspected, but was judged requires improvement for the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection.

Home education

However, the separate SEND inspection called for the partnership to "submit a priority action plan" which included addressing "long waiting times", such as for community paediatrics and occupational therapy.

"Leaders should also improve the support available while children and young people wait," inspectors added.

The report said the demand for specialist school places currently outstripped the supply. Although existing places had been created, including more mainstream autism bases, some children were still waiting, it said.

Inspectors said there were "many variables" which affected waiting times, such as age, specific needs and location, which led to an "inequality of experience".

Some parents and carers felt they had "no option" but to elect to home educate their children, the report said.

A joint statement from NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, Worcestershire Children First and the county council, said they fully accepted the finding and recommendations.

"Whilst the report recognises that progress has been made in some areas, the partnership would like to apologise to those children and young people with SEND who have not received the timely support they need," it said.

“We face similar challenges to partnerships up and down the country, however we know that more can be done locally. "

The partnership said it was committed to reducing waiting times and providing better support for those waiting.

It added: "We want children and young people with SEND to feel truly seen and respected as individuals and this will be a key priority for us in further developing our co-production of services.”

A monitoring inspection will be carried out within 18 months.