ICB and council praised for local SEND services

Children and young people with SEND are valued and prioritised in Wiltshire.

That’s the opinion of government inspectors who visited the county to review services for families with children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

Wiltshire Council and the ICB are jointly responsible for the planning and commissioning of services for children and young people with SEND in Wiltshire.

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted spent time speaking to professionals, families and other partners involved in SEND before publishing their findings in a report.

They found that “children and young people with SEND typically benefit from personalised provision delivered by dedicated staff from across education, health and social care.

“They often experience early help and support from frontline services, who work together very effectively to meet children and young people’s needs and improve outcomes.”

Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We are delighted that inspectors saw first-hand the positive work happening in Wiltshire to ensure children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have the support they need to achieve the best outcomes and realise their full potential.”

Cllr Jane Davies, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for SEND, said: “This report is a positive step forward, showing that by working together our efforts are making a difference, though we know there is still more to do.”

The full report is available to view on the Wiltshire Council website.