Ofsted and the CQC carried out a SEND Local Area Partnership inspection in Slough between 7 and 11 July and have now published their findings.
The Slough Local Area Partnership comprises of Slough Borough Council, alongside NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB), education providers and commissioned partners. It is responsible for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the borough. Since the inspection took place, the partnership has continued to take decisive action to improve the quality and consistency of SEND services.
The joint report highlights both systemic weaknesses and areas of effective practice. Inspectors noted that leaders across the partnership are ambitious and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND, but that many of the improvements underway remain at an early stage. The partnership accepts the findings and is working at pace with all partners to make the urgent changes required.
The report recognises several strengths, including strong leadership and decision-making, effective Early Years practice, well-targeted Early Help support for SEND children and young people, well-matched residential school placements, and positive emotional and mental health provision for children and young people, among other areas of strong practice.
The partnership is addressing all the areas for improvement identified in the report and is accelerating work to deliver meaningful and sustainable change.
Sue Butcher, Executive Director of People (Children) at Slough Borough Council, said: “We accept the findings of the inspection report and remain focused on improving our services for children and young people with SEND. The report clearly sets out the level of improvement required, and while it recognises effective practice and the changes are already underway, there is much more work to do.
We are working closely with our partners, parents, carers, children and young people to make these improvements a reality. I am sorry that we have not made more progress in delivering the services that our children and families need.”
Councillor Puja Bedi, Cabinet Member for Children and Lifelong Learning, said: “We are committed to delivering the best possible services for our children and young people across the SEND partnership. I welcome that the inspection recognised the clear commitment and ambition among leaders and practitioners to drive improvement.
“The report highlights areas where we are performing well, as well as areas where we must do better. I am determined that the partnership continues to make rapid progress so that children and families receive the support they deserve.”
Tracey Faraday-Drake, director for children, mental health, and learning disabilities NHS Frimley, said: “Supporting children and young people is a priority for the Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships to prioritise actions and improve services for children and young people and their families.”