In January this year (2020), Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) undertook a joint inspection of Shropshire’s special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision to find out how effective the local area’s arrangements are in implementing the reforms set out in the Children and Families Act 2014.

In Shropshire, professionals have been working in partnership with children, young people and their families to co-produce the education health and care (EHC) assessment pathway and develop effective services and provision.  We are pleased that the inspectors recognised some of the many strengths that Shropshire can be proud of.  In particular, the report recognises the achievements of our most vulnerable children and young people with SEND. However, the inspectors also identified that there are a number of challenges that must be overcome in order to secure the improvements that will enable the local area to achieve its aspiration that all children and young people with SEND have and expect the same opportunities in life as other children and young people.

Following the outcome of the inspection Shropshire are working with professionals from across education, health and social care, as well as parent carers and young people, to develop a joint statement of action that we will submit to Ofsted in September 2020. This statement of action will address all six of the points identified by the inspectors as being of significant concern and will enable the local area to further build on the work that has already secured positive outcomes for many of our children and young people with SEND.

If you would like to be part of the parent carer reference and engagement groups to have your say and help influence the future of SEND in Shropshire then please email Shropshire Parent & Carer Council. (Address above on flyer).