Major SEND improvements shown as crucial strategy unveiled

According to data mapped by Lancashire County Council, aspects of SEND provision in the county have vastly improved in recent months, with significant rises in Educational Psychologist allocations and the number of Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) being issued. 

The figures show that Educational Psychologist allocations shot up 637% from April to July this year – more than seven times the original amount. 

Similarly, the number of new Education and Health Care Plans issued each month almost doubled in the same period, going up by 87% from April to July, while the backlog of annual reviews dropped by over 16% between June and August.

Meanwhile, almost 5% more special school places were provided between September last year and this year, and places in specialist SEND units almost doubled over the same period, going up by 92%. 

The turnaround comes as a new vision for supporting every child and young person with special educational needs and disabilities in Lancashire is unveiled.  

Called the 'SEND Strategy 2025-28,' it is a crucial vision for SEND improvements in education, health and social care, in the wake of a joint CQC and Ofsted report which highlighted concerns earlier this year.  

Developed by the *Lancashire SEND Partnership, which includes NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Parent Carer Forum and POWAR, a participation group for children and young people with SEND, the Strategy will be discussed by cabinet members when they are asked to approve it at their meeting on October 9.

Aimed at ensuring children and young people with special education needs and disabilities thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment, right from birth until adulthood, its priorities include  

• Identifying the needs of children and young people as early as possible   

• Meeting their needs as close to home as possible  

• Preparing them for adult life from the earliest opportunity   

• Ensuring they and their families feel valued and heard through communication, collaboration and co production  

• Making sure children, young people and their families have better outcomes and experiences.  

Developed by a wide range of partners, the strategy aims to make a positive difference to children, young people and their families.  

Its comprehensive measures include regular reviews of progress, governance and resources, additional staff and training to meet demand and use of live data as well as collaborative working to foster good relationships with key partners.   

It's closely linked to the Lancashire SEND partnership's 'Priority Action Plan,' an overarching vision for improving the experiences of children and young people with SEND developed earlier this year, which has had an additional £5m allocated to it in the 4th September Cabinet meeting. 

The additional funding is aimed at meeting increased demand for Education and Healthcare Plans (EHCP) and places in specialist or alternative provision.  

Other robust action has included the establishment of the SEND Improvement Board by the partnership, including an independent chair to oversee and scrutinise both the strategy and the action plan, while NHS England and the DfE will also provide impartial support.  

Lancashire currently has 13,402 children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), 13.2% of children and young people who receive SEN support and 20% of children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.  

In addition, 6488 children and young people in Lancashire with EHCPs attend mainstream schools, while 56% of children and young people with an EHCP have communication and interaction needs, including autism.  

Tangible progress must be shown by the Lancashire SEND Partnership towards achieving the Priority Action Plan over the next 18 months, with a full re inspection due within three years.  

Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:  

"We really welcome the improvements in Lancashire's SEND services, but we know there is still a very long road ahead, and we will continue to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for our children and young people with SEND and their families.

"As part of the Lancashire SEND Partnership, we want our children and young people, their parents and carers to know that collectively, we are listening, and they are at the heart of every decision we make at every stage of the journey that they are on.   

"This is about real change, rebuilding trust, and delivering results, and we want families to know about the progress, as well as the challenges we have been navigating, and to see high-quality services and outcomes delivered.  

"Working collaboratively through the Lancashire SEND Partnership, we can see that there have been improvements, but we continue to invest in our staff to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need, and are empowered to deliver effective, people-focused services.  

"The new SEND Strategy is a key milestone in delivering the improvements needed, and we are confident it will ensure that Lancashire becomes a place where our children and young people get the support they need to thrive."