SEND Local Area Inspection and Written Statement of Action (WSoA)
In July 2021, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out a joint inspection of the local area of Warwickshire to judge the effectiveness of the area in implementing the disability and special educational needs reforms as set out in the Children and Families Act 2014.
Inspectors looked at how effective all partners are in identifying the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) of children and young people aged 0 up to 25, as well as any health and care needs that relate to their special educational needs. Information on the local area SEND inspection.
To address the findings identified in the inspection report, a Written Statement of Action was co-produced with education, health, social care and the Parent Carer Forum, Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice.
| Area | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| The waiting times for Autism assessments, and weaknesses in the support for children and young people awaiting assessment and following diagnosis of Autism. | The waiting times for an autism diagnostic assessment are reduced. Children, young people, young adults and their families awaiting a diagnostic assessment can access a clear and coordinated pathway of support that meets their needs. Children, young people, young adults and their families following diagnosis of autism can access a clear and coordinated pathway of support that meets their needs. |
| The fractured relationships with parents and carers and lack of clear communication and co-production at a strategic level | Strengthened relationships with parents and carers to build trust and confidence in the SEND system. Effective approach to communication in place with children, young people and their families. Whole system approach to co-production at a strategic level with children, young people and their families across Education, Health and Social Care. |
| Incorrect placement of some CYP with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans in specialist settings, and mainstream school leaders’ understanding of why this needs to be addressed | Mainstream school leaders’ understanding of why the placement of some children needs to be addressed. The correct placement of children and young people with EHC plans. |
| The lack of uptake of staff training for mainstream primary and secondary school staff to help them understand and meet the needs of CYP with SEND | School staff are knowledgeable about, and confident in, meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND in primary schools. School staff are knowledgeable about, and confident in, meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND in secondary schools. |
| The quality of the online Local Offer | The quality of the online Local Offer is fit for purpose. |
In the last year we have been working hard to deliver the Written Statement of Action, including the following actions:
- Recommission the all-age community support service for neurodivergent individuals.
- Pilot a differentiated model for autism assessments.
- Increase capacity for autism diagnostic assessments.
- Co-produce a framework with Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice to strengthen relationships with parents and carers across Warwickshire.
- Develop a co-production strategy with key stakeholders and WPCV, commissioning the support of Contact (the charity for families with disabled children).
- Set up a working group to co-produce an inclusion action plan in schools to help ensure the correct placement of children with Education, Health and Care Plans.
- Co-produce a workforce development action plan with schools.
- Redesign the SEND Local Offer, including a ‘Get Involved’ section which hosts our most recent ‘You Said, We Did’ feedback and links to parent carer webinars.
- Introduce a ReachDeck accessibility tool on the SEND Local Offer webpages.
- Launch a neurodivergent e-booklet for families