Partnership sets out plan to improve Send provision

Send services in North Northamptonshire were criticised for "widespread and systemic failings"

A body criticised for "widespread and systemic failings" in its services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has published an action plan.

Earlier this year, a joint report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) told the partnership that runs the service in North Northamptonshire to address the issues "urgently".

Setting out its new "strategic vision", North Northamptonshire Council highlighted six priority areas to "ensure better outcomes for families of children with Send".

They include a commitment to expanding provision for Send services.

It also highlighted "improving early identification and intervention" and "developing a skilled workforce" among its targets.

Services for children with Send in North Northamptonshire are provided by a partnership of the council and the NHS Integrated Care Board.

In March, it was told inspectors had found that children were suffering because support was not being provided quickly enough.

The report highlighted partnership working, joint strategic commissioning, governance arrangements and accurate assessment of need as priority action areas.

It also noted long waiting times, access to special equipment and relationships with mainstream schools as areas for improvement.

In response, the partnership stated Send was a "key priority for North Northamptonshire".

It said it had consulted parents and carers in shaping its strategy.

The report said: "The views and voices of children, young people, their parents/carers and professionals are crucial in both shaping and delivering the plan, and to build trust in the systems and services designed to support them.

"As a partnership, we are committed to engaging and communicating with them at all stages, to ensure that the plan delivers for them."