WEAKNESSES in the care of Cheshire children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have now been rectified, say inspectors.

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commision (CQC) have declared that 'sufficient progress' has been made in addressing two areas of significant weaknesses at Cheshire East Council and NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Concerns raised by inspectors in 2018 had criticised the timeliness, process and quality of education, health and care (EHC) plans.

EHC plans are legal documents that set out a child or young person’s special educational, health and social care needs. They describe the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support them to achieve what they want in their life.

Calls for an effective autism spectrum disorder pathway and a reduction in waiting times have also been addressed.

Inspectors revisited Cheshire East from 24-27 May 2021, with activities carried out virtually and in person.

Conversations were held with children and young people, parents and carers, as well as council and health professionals.

Performance data and evidence were reviewed and inspectors listened to the views of more than 700 parents and carers, who responded to an online survey.

Inspectors found that EHC plans have been transformed, saying that by early 2020, almost every needs assessment was completed within the 20-week deadline, compared to less than one in six in 2018.

They also found that professionals worked closely with parents, children and young people to accurately reflect their needs, stating that ‘co-production is at the heart of every EHC needs assessment’.

Inspectors heard from parents, carers, children and young people about the positive impact these plans have on their lives.

Regarding support for children and young people with autism, inspectors found that more children are starting nursery and school with their needs understood and met. Families have also been offered support and training, so they can better understand and support their child.

In 2018 more than 200 children and young people were waiting more than 12 weeks for their first assessment but by March 2020, this had reduced to two weeks.

Inspectors didn’t outline any new areas of weakness but recognised the need for more effective communication with parents and carers, as many who responded to the online survey were not yet convinced of service improvements.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the revisit by Ofsted and the CQC and the progress that has been made since 2018.

“Our vision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people - that they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college, and lead happy and fulfilled lives.

“Inspectors have recognised the significant investment and improvements since their last visit, which they say have made a huge impact to the lives of children, young people and their families.

“We are not complacent, and we have much more work to do. However, we must recognise and celebrate all the hard work and effort of staff across all education, health and care services, education settings, health providers and the Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum.

“I’d personally like to thank them for their energy, commitment and dedication in achieving these significant improvements, changing the lives of children and young people with SEND across the borough.”

Clare Watson, accountable officer of NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are pleased that Ofsted and CQC inspectors found significant improvements since 2018 – including improvements to the development of education, health and care plans and the introduction of an autistic spectrum disorder pathway for children aged 0-4.

“We will not rest on our laurels though as every improvement we make has a positive impact on the lives of young people in Cheshire East.”