Agenda item

The Local Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection and Self-Evaluation (SEF) had to be completed to identify strengths and areas of improvement. It was linked to the SEND Strategy 2021-2024 and partnership work involving education, health and social care, parents and young people.

Strong partnership working and coproduction were areas of strength for Barnet in terms of the SEF and SEND workstreams. The SEF included the local context and needs in comparison to other areas as well as outcomes for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPS) and SEND.

A SEND assurance visit from Ofsted and CQC looked at the impact of the pandemic on children and young people with SEND and their families and the response to the impact on families. The views of families and children were obtained and positive outcomes were found. There were elements to be taken forward which have been incorporated into the action plans for SEND workstreams and the SEF.

It was a statutory requirement for the local area to have a Local Offer website to include information on the provision and resources available. The website also contained up to date information on personal budget, health and social care and personal budget.

Data showed an increase in the amount of SEND requests in Barnet with 3.5% for EHCPs and 2.5% for SEND support. It was also linked to accessing Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational therapy.

Strong working partnerships had been formed to increase engagement from parents and young people. There was parent representation on the SEND Development Group and SEND Partnership Board. Parents and Carers were also involved in complex needs panels and the auditing of EHCPs.

In terms of the young person’s voice, the Barnet Inclusive Next Generation (BING) group had been consulted with regards to strategies. The views of children and young people in need of SEND support were also represented more widely in the area of work undertaken.

It was noted that excellent outcomes were achieved for children with SEND and those with an EHCP in terms of attainment and progress data.

Innovative practice in response to the pandemic have been demonstrated well in the Open Spaces Project, providing families with a safe space to go to.

The key areas of strength were noted as follows:

(a)  Good quality of education provision for pupils with SEND

(b)  A good Local Offer

(c)  Development of a Mental Health Zone with links to CAMHS and other services

(d)  Good Early Years Offer with well-coordinated arrangements focusing on early identification

(e)  Clear outcomes for pupils with SEND and pupils with EHCPs

(f)   Good transitional support for pupils between primary to secondary and secondary to Post-16

(g)  Good range of support available across Health and Social Care.

Work in relation to the Therapy Recovery Programme linked to language enrichment would be extended next term for Early Years and PVIs.

Good pathways for Autism action plan and SEMH provision had been developed, ensuring clarity on what was available for parents, carers and schools.

The SEF would be updated in August before the next inspection anticipated between this September and March 2022.

It was noted that prioritising an additional resource provision would help support schools and Barnet children. More work on SEND transition support was needed for several schools and the substantial amount of work needed on therapies could be taken forward with the right provider in place for a comprehensive programme of continuous improvement to lead to the correct support for children and families.