There are widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), which Tameside must address urgently.
This is the conclusion of an OFSTED report released today into Tameside council’s care of children with special educational needs and disabilities
The regulator now requires the local area partnership to prepare and submit a priority action plan (area SEND) to address the identified areas for priority
The report says that too many children and young people with SEND, and their families, do not receive the support that they need to thrive and many wait too long for their needs to be identified and met.
Inspectors found a small number of children with were identified to be at potential risk of child exploitation. These children were living with unassessed risk and therefore may not receive appropriate support in a timely way.
Some professionals identified that there is a lack of staff understanding, training and management of child exploitation risks to help them to meet the needs of these children and young people with SEND across the partnership.
However there were positives in the report. For example, for the youngest children, and those with complex health needs, practitioners are more likely to work together to understand children’s and young people’s needs and provide the right support at the right time.
Tameside council’s executive member for lifelong learning and culture, Coun Leanne Feeley told the Local Democracy Service:
“We fully accept the findings of the inspection and are determined to deliver the changes our children, young people and families need and deserve.
“While we are encouraged by the recognition of recent progress and the confidence shown in our new leadership, we know there is a long road ahead.
