A recent Ofsted pilot framework inspection found that it is a time of great positive change for children and young people with SEND in Dorset.
The inspection found evidence that the voices of children and young people, parents and families were heard in their own provision and that they felt like they have a say.
Ofsted also found that the localities structure supported the ambition of inclusion, that all locality staff understood their area’s strengths and areas of opportunity through localised knowledge and that there is clear evidence that practitioners worked together well across different agencies
Inspectors further reported that there was a clear understanding by the local authority of action being taken for those young people in Dorset who are missing out on education, were electively home educated or who were on reduced (part time) timetables. They could see that there are plans in place to address sufficiency in order to increase capacity, for example through local Inclusion Hubs.
Ofsted said: “The commitment to change is evident on the ground with a great shared passion across provisions and staff groups to make sure things are better for our children and young people with SEND. This is evidenced in practitioners looking to improve pathways and make changes that will benefit our families.”
Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help said: “Inspections are a helpful way for us to evaluate the great work that has been taken place, but also gain a valuable insight into how we can continue to raise the bar”.
“We are ambitious in our investment in meeting additional need for our SEND children and young people, focusing on inclusion as a key part of helping them to thrive”.
David Freeman, Senior Responsible Officer for SEND (NHS Dorset) said: “NHS Dorset are committed to working with local partners including Dorset Council and Dorset Parent Carer Council in supporting children and young people with special education needs, and their families.
“The NHS plays an important role in the identification, assessment, treatment, and support of SEND and we welcomed the opportunity to be part of the pilot area for the proposed framework and it gave us a valuable opportunity to learn what we were doing well and areas where we can continue to develop. We look forward to continuing our work to improve services for children, young people, parents and carers throughout the county.”
Looking forward Ofsted also said that the local partnership was aware of the urgent need to improve the preparing for adulthood (PFA) work and that there were key development activities underway. Dorset Council and Ofsted both recognised that there is much more needing to be done as young people currently describe not being able to “see their future”.