SUPPORT offered to children and young people with special educational needs has been praised in a new Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection.
Under the new national inspection framework, which no longer gives ratings such as good or outstanding, local areas now receive one of three outcome statements.
Barnsley’s result places it in the highest of the three possible outcomes categories, reflecting that children and young people with SEND generally have positive experiences, with clear actions underway to further strengthen support.
Inspectors found that most youngsters have their needs identified early and accurately, with families benefiting from ‘strong help’ with professionals working closely alongside them thanks to tailored education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
About 3,000 EHCPs are in place in Barnsley, which aims to offer individual support centred around an individual child’s own specific needs.
The inspection report said: “The local area partnership’s SEND arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
“The local area partnership is taking action where improvements are needed.
“Co‑production is strong, with parents, carers, and young people actively shaping services and the local offer.
“Clear partnership working across education, health and social care ensures personalised support for children and young people with the most complex needs.
“These strengths mean many children and young people in Barnsley experience sustained improvements in both their outcomes and day‑to‑day experiences.”
However, two areas were marked as requiring improvement, including increasing the amount of SEND places and boost the support provided whilst youngsters are waiting for support.
Councillor William Brown, leader of Barnsley Council, added: “The positive findings in this report are a testament to the dedication of professionals across education, health and care who support children and young people with SEND every day.
“For families, this means needs are identified and understood more effectively, children receive the right support at the right time, and there are improved day-to-day experiences in settings that help them feel safe, included and able to achieve.
“We are determined to build on this progress, working with partners to achieve better outcomes for children and families.”
Surging demand for SEND provision has been seen across the country and Barnsley’s figures are no different, education bosses say.
Placements cost between £50,000 and £70,000 per year, but can rise to as much as £250,000.
Key stages three and four - which refer to ages 11 to 16 - were set to be targeted by a now-shelved free school due to growing demand for local places and the council’s quest to reduce out-of-borough placements.
Carly Speechley, executive director for children’s services, welcomed the inspection - but admitted there’s still things to address.
“We welcome this inspection outcome and are pleased that Ofsted and the CQC have recognised the typically positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Barnsley.
“This reflects the dedication of our staff, our schools, our health partners and - most importantly - our families and young people, who contribute so much to shaping services.
“We know there is always more to do, and we are fully committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement, especially around waiting times and strengthening specialist support.
“Working together as a partnership, we will continue to build on the progress already made so every child and young person with SEND in Barnsley can thrive.”
