Agenda item

Matthew Bulmer (Director for Education) presented the ‘Response to the Local area inspection on support and provision for Children and Young people who have special education needs and/ or disabilities (SEND)’ to the Scrutiny Board.

Members noted that a joint Ofsted/CQC area SEND inspection of the Oldham partnership had taken place in June 2023. Following the Conclusion of the Inspection the Managing director of Children and Young People for Oldham Council along with the Chief Executive for the Integrated Care Board were informed that the Inspection report had found Oldham Partnership to be inadequate.

Members noted improving government structures was taking place, with a Local Inclusion Partnership Executive Board having been set up. The aim of the partnership board was to bring together key statutory partners including the Oldham MBC, Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board and system partners. To set up an evidenced based local inclusion plan in setting out how the needs for young people and children are delivered in line with the national standards.

Members noted Service Improvements within section 5 of the report. It was discussed that several PAP actions have been completed, a joint area data dashboard had been developed and a speech and language therapy recovery plan had been developed.

Councillor Colin McLaren said that they were pleased to see steps were being taken to address the inadequate outcome of the inspection report and wished to see how the journey will be and what the focus and objectives will be.

Matthew Bulmer said that tackling issues around school age children receiving a SEN report was a priority, with there being 45,000 children and only 3% having an education plan. It was also said that reducing the waiting list for speech and language therapy was an objective, with 1,800 being on a waiting list at the current time. In addition, new governance structures such as the Partnership Executive Board should help with meeting objectives, being provided with comprehensive data and meeting regularly every quarterly.

Councillor Colin McLaren said that he wished to see the steps taken to address staffing issues.

Matthew Bulmer in response stated that demand on the system is at all-time high, with Oldham Council having the statutory duty to provide provisions and support children with SEN needs. It was explained that significant additional resources have been used in Oldham at Oldham Council within the value 11 million pounds.

Reverend Jean Hurlston asked a question concerning sustainability and ‘balancing the books’, and if the increase in demand on the service was down to more children having disabilities.

Matthew Bulmer responded that Covid had played a huge part in increasing demand on the service, especially in younger children. It was also stated that in general there had been an inherent increase in the complex demand on the system. With there being a stigma around parents not trusting the system, with additional support being needed to upskill the workforce to deal with growing demand. However, it was noted that this would require more money from central government.

Councillor Maggie Hurley asked what other improvements had been made apart from Speech and Language.

Matthew Bulmer responded that there had been improvements around other neurodevelopment issues, with an integrated team who work with children who have mental health issues through a commissioned service. More however can be done in mainstream settings, but speech and language are a majorly targeted issue.

Councillor Maggie Hurley asked how many children are waiting for a Child Health Plan Plus since the inspection?

Matthew Bulmer stated that they were unsure of the figure and would provide an answer outside of the meeting.

Members were concerned about how many people are having to wait to receive access to Speech and Language therapy, with Matthew Bulmer informing members that work is being conducted with Partners to stop the waiting list rise above 1,800.

Councillor Lucia Rea asked how the figures compare nationally to neighbouring authorities.

Matthew Bulmer answered that given social issues, poverty and lack of parents having information about services the overall SEND needs are higher nationally and regionally.

Chair requested an update in six months’ time (July) on the progress made for the next inspection.

Resolved that: Scrutiny Board provided a response to the Local area inspection on support and provision for Children and Young people who have special education needs and/ or disabilities (SEND).