A lack of training, long waiting times and poor communication have been identified as key problems within Warwickshire County Council's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.

A report compiled by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission also found that there was a "legacy" of children who had not been given the correct care for their individual needs.

The Warwickshire SEND report was compiled between 12 and 16 July 2021 as Ofsted and CQC spoke to WCC as well as parents, schools and children about local SEND care.

On the day the inspection began local parents protested outside WCC's Shire Hall headquarters about the level of support their children were receiving. Parents left bags on the steps for every child the council had "failed" to support.

The survey, published last week, found "significant areas of weakness" in local provision and WCC has been told it needs to submit a full written statement of action outlining how it intends to improve.

The 13-page report outlines many areas where improvement is needed, as well as how WCC is succeeding.

In particular the report said:

- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) waited too long to get an assessment. And plans to address this were not specific enough.

- Current area leaders know that the area was slow to implement the 2014 reforms in full. Previous leadership groups had not worked closely enough together.

- Area leaders are committed to improving children and young people's outcomes.

- Area leaders understand the strengths and weaknesses of the area because of their accurate, well-informed and detailed self-evaluation.

- Area leaders say there is a legacy of children and young people who have not been placed in a setting that is best suited to their needs. Some school leaders agree with this.

- Leaders have not consulted stakeholders widely enough about the reasons for the changes and the actions needed. Communication about why changes need to be made has not been clear enough, particularly with schools and parents and carers.

- Schools have not accessed enough training to help school staff understand and provide for children and young people's needs in mainstream settings.

Council's reaction

In response to the report WCC has said it is determined to "meet the needs of all children and young people" in Warwickshire.

Portfolio holder for education and children's services Cllr Jeff Morgan also welcomed the report's recognition of the commitment of local leadership, but added: "there is more work to be done".

"Our action plan will be robust," he said, "and we will work with rigour and pace to ensure changes are made to help us to improve and enhance the SEND offer in Warwickshire.

"SEND is a key priority and the work we have done as part of our SEND and Inclusion Change Programme has been acknowledged as the right plan addressing the key issues to ensure changes are made."

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