A mixed report over education provision
The city’s education and health leaders say they’re “pleased with the overall report” from a recent inspection but acknowledge “significant concerns” need to be addressed.
AjointinspectionbyOfsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) was undertaken to assesssupportforchildrenand youngpeoplewithspecialeducational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The report identified “significant developments” in SEND provision since Children’s Services were taken over by Together for Children, particularly the increase in educational settings for SEND children and additional resource provision in schools, but highlighted “significant concerns” regarding effectiveness.
AjointstatementfromSunderlandCityCouncil,Together for Children and the Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are pleased withtheoverallreportreceived from Ofsted and the CQC, who’ve recognised there are severalareasofstrengthwithin SEND services across the local area and that improvements have been made to improve the outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
"We know there’s more to do and we are taking steps in the right direction to ensure the experiences of children andfamiliesareconsistentand their needs are addressed in a way that’s right for them.”
Inspectors praised the speed with which children with SEND are identified – which is above the national average – and the implementationofEducationHealthcare (EHC) Plans to address needs.
Thereporthighlightedhow thishascontributedtoimproving outcomes for children.
Inspectors stated: “Overall, academic outcomes for children and young people with SEND are improving, especially in the early years and in primary schools.
"Partnershipworkbetween the education team and headteachers is beginning to have a positive impact on outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
"The proportions of children and young people with SENDwhoaresubjecttofixedterm or permanent exclusion
aredecreasing.Theattendance is improving and the proportion who are persistently absent is decreasing."
The report also identified concerns which require the submission of a Written Statement of Action to Ofsted, outlininghowthey’llbeaddressed. Health and education chiefs were keen to stress this is not an unusual occurrence.
A key concern is a lack of cohesion in the “joint commissioning” of support for SEND and consistency of provision during periods of transition. The report highlighted “parents feel there’s a cliff edge when their children reach the
age of 18”. Inspectors also said academic outcomes for childrenatKeyStage4(Year10and 11) are “improving but remain too low”.
Cllr Louise Farthing, CabinetMemberforChildren’sServices,said:“Youngpeoplewith SENDareatopprioritysowe’re pleased Ofsted and the CQC have recognised a number of areaswhereSENDservicesare working well and the progress that has been made in improving services in recent years.
"We fully accept there’s still worktobedoneandarealready addressing the areas where further improvements need to be made.”