Bucks Council react to Ofsted report on its SEND services

Between 28 February and 11 March 2022, Ofstedconducted their first inspection of the services and support provided across Education, Health and Care in Buckinghamshire for children and young people with Special Educational Needs in the county. 

Councillor Anita Cranmer, who is Cabinet Member for Children’s Services explained more:

The inspectors visited seven education settings covering all ages and received feedback from over 1,000 parents and carers. They met with children and young people of all abilities in education settings and focus groups. They spoke to a wide range of professionals across health, education and social care, reviewed a number of children’s Education, Health and Care Plans and received over 150 documents and supporting evidence. 

Ofsted identified some areas to improve for Bucks, which included:

• The identification and meeting of the needs of those in receipt of SEND support.
• The Annual Reviews and ensuring the social participation needs of children and young people are integrated into Education, Health and Care Plans.
• Recruiting and retaining staff to ensure effective and consistent communication with families.
• Improving how we involve families, working collaboratively with them to meet the needs of their children.
• Developing a more coherent approach to Preparation for Adulthood, including increased options at post 19.

Simon James who is the Service Director for Education, spoke about how they can further improve there support for local families:

And he told us the overall goal for their services:

With this in mind, The Council don't want to just focus on improvements, but also better the strenths that were found in the report, these were:

• In Bucks we have a clear local area SEND Strategy and strong leadership that prioritises services for children and young people with SEND.
• Our youth engagement is strong.
• There is effective joint commissioning of services with health colleagues.
• We have a good track record of identification of SEND across Early Years settings and children are well prepared for school.
• Statutory assessments and Education, Health and Care plans are more timely and have improved in quality.
• Virtual schools for Looked After Children (LAC) have been expanded so more pupils can benefit.
• Interventions for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs are extensive. There is good access to health visitors’/health checks and Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services.  School nurses deliver a helpful school readiness programme.
• In Bucks we have strong education, good academic outcomes and low exclusions.
• There is a successful use of internship programmes contributing to positive employment, engagement and training figures.”

Richard Nash – Corporate Director for Children’s Services explained more:

To access the Councils' SEND local offer, visit: https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/send/

The Council will now draw up a Written Statement of Action, which will include the deveoplement of their The SEND local offer full of help and support for families. This action plan must be submitted to Ofsted by 8 August 2022.