Leek hub is rare example amid failing system

SPECIAL needs pupils are being turned away from some schools and let down by a ‘fragmented and dysfunctional’ support system.

That’s the damning verdict following a joint inspection of Staffordshire’s education, health and care services.

Now the authorities involved have been ordered to produce a ‘statement of action’ to address significant weaknesses in the way they help vulnerable young people.

The report - published by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission says there is a ‘diminishing sense of inclusivity’ in the county’s schools.

It has meant children are often educated in the wrong settings, find it hard to get school places and face a battle for extra support. They are also being excluded from mainstream schools in ‘escalating’ numbers, with some only getting part-time education.

The report adds: “Staffordshire’s oversight of, and relationship with schools, have broken down. Leaders do not know enough about the effectiveness of provision for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Above all, there has been an inadequate level of monitoring of alternative provision and independent schools.”

Parents also told inspectors they felt like they are ‘in a game of ping pong between services’ and have to reach crisis point before action is taken. This is partly due to a lack of joined-up work between Staffordshire County Council, the NHS and other support teams.

Councillor Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and young people, acknowledged the need for improvement and pledged to work with families. But he said the council has ‘struggled to cope’ with rising demand.

He added: “In the last five years, the number of children with SEND in Staffordshire has increased by a third to more than 15,800. But Government funding has not kept pace.”

The report does highlight some strengths, including a ‘virtual school’ that helps pupils in care, the special school nursing service, autism outreach team, short breaks offered through Aiming High and a family partnership service.

A pilot ‘hub’ in Leek is also doing innovative work to assess children’s needs at an earlier stage. While other successes include the proportion of young adults with access to education, employment and training.

But overall, the ‘pace of change has been to slow’ and aspirations ‘are not high enough.’ Pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPS) make particularly low progress.

The inspectors found families are being assessed for these plans within statutory timescales. Yet the quality of EHCPS is ‘weak’ and too little focus is given to health needs.

The council recently carried out a consultation into how families would like to see SEND provision developed.