Richmond Upon Thames SEND provision has been recognised as demonstrating positive outcomes for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities following an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection.  

Achieving for Children (AfC) works closely with the Council's Adult Social Care services and the NHS South West London Integrated Care Board to deliver services for children and young people with SEND. 

Under the new inspection framework, the judgement reflects the consistent hard work demonstrated across education, social, and health sectors. 

The inspection report acknowledged the improvements made to the Council & Children's Services and the commitment of all partners. Although, the report said it was a "missed opportunity" to identify need and support for expectant parents as they do not have a holistic assessment of their health need prior to having a baby. Ofsted and the CQC claim this is because expectant parents do not consistently receive an antenatal contact from the health visitor.  

Cllr Penny Frost, Chair of Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "We are delighted to have achieved the highest recognition under this new inspection framework, acknowledging the significant progress made in our children's services and the results are a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work demonstrated across education, social care, and health services in the borough. 

She added: "This success is not just a reflection of our officers' dedication but also a demonstration of our firm belief in the potential of every child with SEND. 

"The most successful communities are those that provide safe environments for our young people to grow so we will continue working diligently to ensure that Richmond upon Thames remains a place where young people with SEND are supported, heard, and given every opportunity to thrive." 

The Ofsted report highlighted key aspects of the SEND provision, emphasising young people with SEND are at the centre of professional decision-making. However, the report said children and young people's EHC plans are not consistently updated leading to variability in how well it capture the individual's current needs and have appropriate outcomes.  

The report said: "In some instances, this is due to a lack of contributions from the range of professionals involved with the child or young person with SEND. This can impact negatively at key transition points for some children and young people with SEND as their EHC plan is out of date and contains inaccurate information." 

It went on to note young people feel empowered to shape their futures and needs are identified accurately and assessed promptly, by ensuring providers have the necessary resources for referrals and identifying additional needs. 

Although, the report acknowledged sometimes parents and carers are not invited to share their views with occupational therapists when their child has an initial assessment in mainstream school.  

It said: "This means parents and carers are last to be involved in the assessment process and their views and key knowledge of their child's experiences are not taken into account." 

Professionals are commended for getting to know children with SEND, providing the right help and support in mostly a timely manner.  

In instances where this was not the case, some children and young people with possible autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder "wait too long to receive a diagnosis". The report said children and young people with SEND wait "a long time for essential specialist equipment".  

It added: "The process for assessment, and then authorising and purchasing equipment, is lengthy. This prevents children and young people from receiving important equipment within a reasonable timeframe. Leaders are aware of this and are taking demonstrable steps to resolve this issue." 

However, Ofsted and CQC acknowledged there is a range of services that provide support and advice to children, young people and their families while they wait for diagnosis. 

The report also acknowledges a variety of opportunities for children to participate in the community, nurturing their talents and interests. 

Additionally, leaders demonstrated high ambitions for children and worked strategically with the multi-agency SEND Futures Plan. 

Ian Dodds, Director of Children's Services for the Council said: "Achieving for Children, in close partnership with the Council's Social Care services and the Integrated Care Board, has worked tirelessly to ensure that young people, and their parents and carers, are not just recipients of care and provision, but active participants in shaping our local offer." 

He added: "We all recognise that there is more to be done, and the revised SEND Futures Plan will ensure that we take key improvements forward, working collaboratively with parents and carers, children, young people and all our partners." 

Read the full report here.