Agenda item

To report on the outcome of the recent area inspection of SEND services in Haringey and action to be taken in response to it.

Jackie DiFolco, Assistant Director for Early Help, Prevention and SEND, summarised the outcome of the recent joint area inspection of SEND within Haringey that was undertaken by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission.  The inspection had focussed on how well SEND was identified, outcomes were improved and needs met.  It had highlighted some areas of strength as well as areas where action was required.   The authority was required to address:

·         The poor quality of EHC plans and the annual review process;

·         The lack of partnership working and poor communication and co-production with parents, children and young people;

·         Unacceptable waiting times for Autism Spectrum assessments and insufficient support whilst people were waiting.

These areas had already been a part of a wider improvement plan that was currently being worked upon.  A written statement of action was required to be produced within 70 days.  She reported on the work that was taking place with parents, carers and partners to develop a new SEND strategy and outlined the priorities that had been identified for this and the actions that had already been taken in response.  There was a strong focus on outcomes so that the authority knew it was making a difference and that these were measurable through key performance indicators, based on what families told them and what they saw. She felt that the actions were realistic and needed to be implemented with appropriate pace so that drift and delay could be avoided. To truly make the difference, there needed to be shared ownership and accountability with families and partners.

The written statement of action was being drafted based on priorities within SEND Strategy.  Two workshops would be co-led with parent and carer representatives and partners on the 29 and 30 November and would cover the three key areas from the inspection.  They would be co-led with parents and carers.  The size of the workshops had been deliberately kept small in order to ensure meaningful discussion, however invitations had been circulated widely.  The SEND Executive Board were accountable for delivery of the written statement of action, in particular, ensuring the timescales were realistic and outcomes achievable.  Progress against the delivery of the plan would be reported through various governance arrangements, such as the Start Well Board and Health and Well Being Board.

The Panel were of the view that the plan was very well thought through and pleased that acknowledgement had been made that EHC Plans needed to be improved.  A further report was requested in due course that specifically covered the development of a new parent carer forum.  It was also requested that parent carer representatives be invited to the meeting where this report is discussed so that the Panel was also able to listen to their perspective.  It was noted that many of the areas that were highlighted within the joint inspection report were the same as those that had been picked up by the earlier Scrutiny Review on SEND. 

Ms DiFolco reported the joint inspection had taken the view that insufficient progress had been made in bringing about change so far.  The borough was working closely with their “partner in practice” Camden that is enabling learning to be shared including experience of co-production and engagement.  In addition, Haringey was part of the London Strategic Managers and Parent Carer Forum. Of the local authorities that had recently had an inspection of SEND, approximately 60% had resulted in a written statement of action. 

In answer to a question, she stated that there was representation from the education sector on the SEND Executive Board.  There was representation from special schools and, more recently, from early years education. However, the terms of reference were currently being reviewed and would seek to increase representation from mainstream. Secondary and post 16 provision.   A request had also been received to publish agendas and minutes on the local offer page of the Council’s website and this was being considered.  She was happy to circulate details of the current membership of the Board.  She accepted that there was currently a disconnect between parents, carers and the Council and that there was a long way to go to establish trust.  However, she and her service were totally committed to bringing about meaningful change and progress had now started to be made.  There was a clear focus within this to working in partnership. 

Ann Graham, Director of Children’s Services, stated that her service wanted to work closely with parents but that there had been long term issues and it was going to take time to remedy the situation.  The joint inspection had stated that things were moving in the right direction though.   Some improvements had already taken place. For example, there had not previously been a SEND Executive or a newsletter. 

In answer to another question, Ms DiFolco reported that a wider performance framework was being developed that did not just focus on statutory deadlines but looked at longer term trends and matters, such as disproportionality.  Adequate funding remained a challenge alongside increasing number of children requiring EHC plans and packages of support There was a significant overspend in the high needs block and this was being addressed though a financial recovery plan.   This would focus on earlier intervention, including provision of therapies at an earlier stage.  Although it was intended to reduce the overspend, there was nevertheless still a duty to continue to provide support for any children who needed it. 

Panel Members suggested that benchmarking of levels of trust with the Council be included in the development process so that progress could be evidenced.  Ms Graham stated that outcomes and impact also needed to be monitored.  Consideration of appropriate performance measures would be undertaken jointly with parents and carers.

Councillor Brabazon commented that there was a long term overspend in the High Need Block.  SEND was not being properly funded by the government as the duties of local authorities were not commensurate with the funding that was provided for them.  The recent government spending review had included additional capital but no additional revenue funding.

Ms Bernard commented that provision for SEND and issues in one area could have an impact on others.  More joined up working was therefore needed.  It was important that as many SEND parents and carers were included in engagement and inclusive means of involvement needed to be used.

AGREED:

That an update on progress with action taken by the Council to respond to the recommendations of the joint inspection report be provided to the meeting of the Panel on 7 March 2022.