Joint SEND Inspection
Wakefield had their first Ofsted/Care Quality Commission (CQC) Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Local Area Inspection 12 June to 16 June 2017.
The joint inspection was carried out to evaluate how effectively the local area:
- identifies and assess the needs of children and young people who have SEND
- meets the needs of these children and young people so that their outcomes and chances of participating fully in society improve
The inspection found that the Wakefield Local Area has a number of strengths in the way the SEND Reforms have been implemented and some areas for development. The inspectors noted that there are plans in place to make further improvements such as greater involvement of parents and carers to co-produce the local offer of resources and support for children, young people and families.
Inspectors found significant weaknesses in the local area’s arrangements for completing specialist diagnostic assessments of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). As a result, the local area had to produce and submit a Written Statement of Action which explains how this will be dealt with to make rapid and sustained improvement.
The Written Statement of Action has now been reviewed by Ofsted and CQC and they have agreed the plans included are now fit for purpose, giving recommendations where these could be further improved. The recommendations made have been taken into account and the final Statement has now been produced.
Dr Phil Earnshaw, Clinical Chair of NHS Wakefield CCG said “The Wakefield Statement of Action is a cross system partner response to the recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection into disability and special educational services. The response shows a commitment from all partners to transforming the experience of children, young people and families across the area, and making a truly positive impact on their lives. The plan detailed in the response supports our goal of helping make sure children and young people to achieve well and lead healthy and happy lives.”
You can download copies of the Inspection Report, Written Statement of Action and letter confirming the Statement is fit for purpose below.
Wakefield Local Area SEND Inspection Final Report
Wakefield Local Area - Fit For Purpose Letter
Wakefield Local Area - Written Statement of Action
You can give feedback about the Wakefield Local Area at any time and TEAM (Wakefield Parent Carer Forum) host Listening Events, which provide an opportunity for key services to listen to the views of parents and carers regularly. The Listening Events are advertised on the TEAM Facebook page @Teamwakefieldparentforum or you can email them at teampcf@hotmail.com.
You can also email the Council at SEND@wakefield.gov.uk or post to SEND Development Team, Room 230, County Hall, Wakefield, WF1 2QW.
To find out more about the SEND Local Area Inspections, you can download a leaflet for parents and carers from the gov.uk website here.