Improvements hailed in how Leicestershire SEND youngsters are supported
Improvements in the way children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported in Leicestershire have been officially recognised.
The service, run by Leicestershire County Council, was placed on an accelerated progress plan in December 2022 following concerns about SEND support.
But the Department for Education and NHS England has now identified significant progress and the organisations have lifted the county out of its improvement plan.
The council, NHS, Parent Carer Forum and education providers have joined forces to improve outcomes for children and young people.
This includes cutting the average time taken to complete an education, health and care plan from 58 weeks to 18 weeks, which is below the 20-week statutory timeframe.
No young person is now waiting more than 20 weeks for a plan.
Councillor Charles Pugsley (Reform UK), cabinet member for children and families, said: “Every child deserves the right support at the right time.
“We know there is still more to do but this recognition shows that real progress is being made for children, young people and families.
“Demand for SEND support has rocketed.
"Leicestershire now has more than 9,000 education, health and care plans in place, 510 more than just six months ago.
“This rapid increase poses a challenge for all councils but we’re committed to doing everything we can to help children and young people thrive.”
Since 2022, the council and partners have expanded specialist teams completing support plans, stepped up joint working and made better use of digital technology.
The council has also set out plans for a new £30M special school in Harborough to deliver more specialist places south of the county.