"We're improving - but we know there's more to do": Lancashire's back to school update on SEND
As families in Lancashire gear up for the new school year, Lancashire County Council has issued an update on SEND services.
Thousands more children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are getting vital support in Lancashire, as the county council continues to invest in services and cut waiting times for families.
That's because significant steps have been taken over the past 12 months, including a major increase in SEND assessments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), specialist provision and staffing.
The improvements include
- A 23% increase in the number of children and young people getting support through an EHCP.
- A 76% reduction in the number of children waiting longer than 20 weeks for an assessment.
- A 75% increase in the SEND workforce.
- An investment of more than £9million in Educational Psychology support.
- £2million invested to help mainstream schools support children with SEND.
- Hundreds of additional specialist school places created across Lancashire.
- 6,000 assessment requests processed, more than 4,300 EHCPs issued and 3,800 Educational Psychologist assessments completed, to help meet growing demand.
Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills at Lancashire County Council said:
"We know demand for SEND support continues to grow and that too many families have faced delays in getting the help they need. That's why we've made substantial investments in our services, we have focused on reducing waiting times and making support available sooner.
"More children are now receiving support, waiting lists have reduced and there are more specialist places available across Lancashire.
"However, we know some families are still waiting too long for support, and there is more work to do. That's why we'll continue to make SEND services a top priority, and from September we will be launching our new Experts at Hand offer, which will provide earlier support and advice for children, families and schools.
"I'm delighted that services are improving but realistic that we have a lot more to do to ensure no family is left behind. In Lancashire, we are committed to ensuring every child receives the right support at the right time and we will do everything we can to make this a reality."
Find out more about support for children and young people with SEND in Lancashire at www.lancashire.gov.uk/SEND