A joint report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlights widespread failings in the services provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Lancashire. The report identifies issues such as high demand for specialist support, long waiting times, and resource constraints. Despite these challenges, the report also recognizes positive aspects, including strong early years services, successful Family Hubs initiatives, and dedicated SEND information and support services.
A recent joint report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) has revealed significant shortcomings in the services provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities ( SEND ) in Lancashire . The report, based on a five-day inspection of the Lancashire Local Area Partnership in December 2024, identifies widespread failings that raise serious concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND .
The Lancashire Local Area Partnership, jointly responsible for planning and commissioning SEND services with NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Lancashire County Council, acknowledges the need for substantial improvement.The report highlights several key areas of concern, including escalating demand for specialist support, leading to financial pressures and long waiting times for assessments and reviews of Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. Inspectors noted a surge in requests for EHC plan assessments and updates, straining the system's resources. Despite these challenges, the report also recognizes positive aspects within the Lancashire SEND system. It commends the early years services for their well-established framework to identify and support children with potential SEND from birth. The multi-agency Family Hubs initiative is praised for its positive impact on families, and the SEND information, advice, and support service (SENDIAS) is commended for its passionate and dedicated team.Furthermore, the report acknowledges the local authority's success in securing significant financial investment for SEND, aiming to drive improvements through a recovery plan. Actions already underway include investing over £2.5 million this year to enhance SEND staffing, appointing a new Head of Service for SEND, and allocating £5 million in the 2025/26 budget to address the high demand levels. Professor Sarah O'Brien, chair of the Lancashire SEND Partnership Board, emphasizes the commitment to a needs-led approach, ensuring children and young people with SEND and their families receive responsive provisions that support their education and home life. Jacqui Old CBE, vice chair of the Lancashire SEND Partnership Board, expresses disappointment with the findings while acknowledging the need for vital improvements to meet the needs of children and young people efficiently and effectively. Both leaders underscore the shared commitment to co-production with communities and families to enhance outcomes for all children and young people with SEND across Lancashire
SEND Special Educational Needs And Disabilities Lancashire Ofsted CQC Education Support Services Funding Healthcare
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