Today Wirral’s SEND inspection report was published. As the SEND Youth Engagement Officer for Wirral I wanted to make sure that SEND children and young people are told what is going on and what will be happening to make things better.
In September Wirral were visited by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They came to inspect Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in our local area.
The inspectors looked at services from health, social care and education. Inspectors met with children and young people with SEND, parent/carers, staff from the local authority and health (NHS).
The inspectors have made a report and I wanted to update you with what will happen next. The report showed that some progress has been made to help SEND young people but there is still more to be done.
Together, we need to make sure that young people using SEND services have their voices heard and I will continue to make sure this happens.
We want our SEND children and young people to be happy, getting the help and support they need to make progress and achieve their aspirations and goals.
I have listed the most important areas that will affect children and young people and highlighted them below:
- A new assessment process for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
- An increase in parent/carer and young people’s involvement.
- A new way to recruit more people to do assessments for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
- A new Youth Partnership to engage young people in all important stages that may affect children and young people.
- Improvements to the way we choose the services who support SEND children and young people to create better joined up services.
- All things to do with communication.
Word buster
What do these words mean?
Ofsted – Ofsted’s role is to make sure that services deliver to a high standard that meets the needs of children and young people.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) – CQC monitor and inspect health services.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – anybody with additional needs who may need extra help and support.
National Health Service (NHS) – The service that provides healthcare
Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP) – A plan put together to provide more education, health or social care support for children and young people aged 0-25 who need it.
I will update you again when I know more.
Take care
Poppy Cain