Services for children with special needs criticised for ‘unacceptable’ waiting times and years-long delays

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Inspectors have criticised Oldham’s services for children with special needs for ‘unacceptable’ waiting times and years-long delays which are ‘negatively impacting’ youngsters’ wellbeing.

A joint watchdog inspection has raised ‘significant concerns’ over services being provided for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) by the Oldham Local Area Partnership.

The service had been slammed following an inspection in 2017, where it said the quality of provision was ‘fundamentally flawed’.

However a follow up visit found that weaknesses were being addressed. But the most recent report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, published yesterday (August 29) states that the partnership must ‘urgently’ address and improve issues of delays, and the quality of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. “There are widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities,” the joint report stated.