Southwark councillors scrutinise SEND reform plan, questioning appeals and health provider involvement
Southwark councillors have expressed significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of reforms aimed at improving support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly in relation to appeals processes and the involvement of health providers.
During a meeting of the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission, councillors questioned officers about the implementation of the Southwark Local SEND Reform Plan.
Councillor Felicia Johnston highlighted the absence of specific measures for the appeals process within the plan's stated ambitions, despite this being a crucial indicator of system effectiveness. Officers explained that the appeals process is viewed as a proxy for a system not working, and while not explicitly listed as a measure, it is monitored. This view is informed by a high number of appeals and successful appeals against the council, indicating underlying issues within the SEND system that need addressing.
While specific figures for the current backlog or typical duration of SEND appeals were not provided, the council's perspective is that a high volume of appeals signifies a system that is not functioning optimally. The SEND Reform Plan document does, however, list EHCPs issued within 20 weeks
with a baseline of 45% and a three-year ambition of 65%, and Reduction in the proportion of open EHCPs for those aged 20 – 25
with a baseline of 11% and a three-year ambition of 8%. These metrics, while not direct measures of appeals, relate to the efficiency of the processes that can lead to appeals.
Councillor Johnston also raised concerns about the commitments of health providers in supporting the reform plan, noting that many measures primarily focused on council services. She questioned whether health providers had set their own targets and how these would interface with the council's plan. Anna Chiva, Deputy Director for Children's Services Learning and Inclusion, stated that health partners have been involved in the development of the plan, working closely with the South East London Integrated Care Board and providers such as GSTT. She confirmed that KPIs and targets for the Experts at Hand
programme, a key element of the reform, would be reported to the Department for Education.
The Experts at Hand
programme is described as central to the SEND Reform Plan. Ms Chiva stated that KPIs and targets for this initiative are being developed and will be reported to the Department for Education. The plan aims to integrate this model with broader reform efforts by strengthening ordinarily available provision, improving access to specialist support, and building the capacity of mainstream settings. The success of Experts at Hand
will be measured by whether schools can access timely support, if the offer reaches those with the greatest need, and if children experience better attendance, inclusion, stability, and progress.
Further details on the agenda and reports from the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission can be found in the Public reports pack.