Calderdale’s SEND children have “inconsistent” experiences and outcomes, and improvements to their services are needed, education and health watchdogs have found.

In a report following an inspection of the borough’s SEND services by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a catalogue of recommendations for improvements have been made.

Calderdale Council and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) are jointly responsible for services for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Calderdale.

In their report, inspectors from Ofsted and the CQC say: “Children and young people with SEND are at the heart of Calderdale’s local area partnership.

placeholder image — View of Halifax, from Beacon Hill

"However, their experiences remain inconsistent because many recent improvements are still becoming established and have not had their full intended impact.”

The report says children benefit from the commitment of leaders and practitioners “who understand their needs and genuinely care about their wellbeing”.

It also commends the “strong culture of collaboration” across different agencies and says: “Many children and young people with SEND in Calderdale are being supported through a strong multi-agency approach, which supports their needs effectively.”

It adds most children and young people in the area receive their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within expected timescales but says “too many children and young people’s EHCPs lack clear and specific outcomes”, leading to frustration from families.

It says: “For some children and young people, particularly those who do not need an EHCP, the identification of their needs is slower than it should be. Professionals do not always show the curiosity required to explore what is behind children and young people’s behaviour.

"As a result, needs can escalate before anyone investigates the causes, such as the missed identification of communication and interaction needs.”

When it comes to mental health services, the report says not all children receive timely support, and sometimes school staff identify concerns “only after attendance declines, rather than through a broader understanding of the child or young person’s wellbeing”.

The inspectors note many students make a positive start moving from high school into further education but others feel “unprepared and anxious about adult life” and “too many young people with SEND are not in education, employment or training by age 17.”

It also says: “Some parents and carers feel that their children are overlooked.

"Some parents feel that they must become ‘experts in the SEND system’ to access support.”

A spokesperson for Calderdale Council said: “We're really pleased that inspectors recognised that children and young people are at the heart of our work, and that they saw the strength of partnership working across education, health and care services to support children and young people with SEND.

"The report also identifies four areas for further development, including improving earlier support at transition stages, strengthening assessments and plans, expanding targeted support and short breaks and building on work to improve inclusion in mainstream schools.

"We're committed to working closely with children, young people, families, schools, health partners and local organisations to continue improving SEND support across Calderdale.”