The Area SEND Inspection of Blackburn with Darwen Local Area Partnership focuses on the experiences of children and young people who are supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB).
They look at what’s going well and what the area needs to do better.
The report said that partnership leaders are committed to maintaining their strong relationships to ensure young people are at the forefront of their decisions.
There are three possible inspection outcomes, Blackburn with Darwen local partnership received the middle judgement, stating there are some inconsistent experiences for children and young people with SEND.
The local area partnership will work jointly to make improvements identified by Ofsted and CQC and address them with timely interventions.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children and Young People at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
“We take our responsibilities very seriously. It’s reassuring to hear from the inspectors about the support which is making a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
“I’m particularly proud of the passion that clearly exists to do the very best for our children and young people and the focus on quality of life. I have been determined to see growing opportunities for those using services to be part of decision making and share their views. Our network of Family Hubs where services are all provided together continue to make sure that we can help those who need it most from babies up to age 19.
“We thank the inspectors for the time spent learning about us and their constructive feedback. This will give us focus for the ongoing improvement plans.”
Joanne Siddle, Director of Children’s Services and Education said:
“We are always keen to hear from inspectors regarding any key gaps in our provision and are already strengthening governance and any oversight across the partnership.
“The report mentions the strong and committed relationships that shine through in BwD and how there is a joint focus on offering the best for children and young people in our care.
“Our staff should be proud of what they achieve for children and young people with SEND. There are strong relationships across the partnership, and we have a clear SEND Inclusion Strategy.
“Our priorities are well thought out, and they reflect the diversity of our community.
“As well as Early Years support that is well structured, we are also preparing young people with SEND for adulthood.
“Although the SEND service is smoother and less overwhelming than it was several years ago, we are still wholeheartedly committed to ensuring work is centred around the young person and their family.”
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board’s chief executive, Aaron Cummins, said:
“We acknowledge the findings of the report and, alongside partner organisations, we will continue work to improve services for children and young people with SEND in Blackburn with Darwen and across the region.
“The many strengths of the Local Area Partnership have been recognised by inspectors, including the strong commitment of the partnership in working together with children and young people with SEND and their families.
“The ICB is aware that the lengthy waiting times to access some health services are unacceptable. This is not only a challenge locally but also nationally, owing to a huge increase in the number of children seeking support. Sadly, as a result, some children and young people’s needs are not identified and met as quickly and effectively as they should be. A range of improvement programmes are in place to transform services with long waiting times, and to improve the experiences of children and young people with SEND and their families, which will be taken forward as part of the system-wide improvement plan in response to the inspection.
“Through co-production with our local communities and families we are committed to improving outcomes for all children and young people with SEND.”
You can read the full report of Blackburn with Darwen Local Area Partnership’s Area SEND Inspection on the Ofsted website.