Highest rating from Ofsted for Rotherham SEND
Rotherham Area Partnership praises for its ‘genuine shared determination’ to ensure ‘that all children and young people with SEND are happy, successful and thrive’
Services in Rotherham for children and young people with special education needs and abilities (SEND) have been awarded the highest rating by regulators Ofcom and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It follows a three-week inspection undertaken in October that examined arrangements for education, health and social care services across the borough.
Photo by Markus Spiske
The report found that in Rotherham, ‘most children’s and young people’s needs are identified and assessed quickly and accurately’ and they ‘enjoy attending a range of mainstream schools and specialist provisions.’ The top rating recognises that services offered by the local area partnership, ‘typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND,’ and also that the partnership ‘is taking action where improvements are needed.’
Achieving the top rating means that the partnership’s services don’t need to be inspected again for five years.
Highlights of the report include recognition that significant work is underway to reduce the wait for diagnosis – but also that needs are met whether or not diagnosis has been given. Many of the borough’s children and young people with SEND enjoy attending a range of mainstream schools and specialist provisions. Social workers and the children with disability team know the children well and can offer focused support. Support includes transition into next stages of education, employment and/or training, through events such as the annual ‘Leaf Event’ careers fair.
- Read the full report, Area SEND inspection of Rotherham Local Area Partnership (19 November 2024)
Rotherham Area Partnership involves bodies including Rotherham Council, NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Rotherham Parent Carers Forum. The report specifically praised the collaborative ways in which partners worked to provide support and highlighted how much children and young people are valued and visible in their communities.
The compassionate approach of Rotherham Parent Carers Forum was particularly cited, in advocating for children and young people and working in partnership with services through the ‘Four Cornerstones’ – that is welcome and care, value and include, communication, and partnership.
In response, a spokesperson from Rotherham Parent Carers Forum says: ‘Under the new inspection framework, this review gathered hundreds of voices and lived experiences from families, along with in-depth explorations of specific family journeys.
‘We are pleased that the identified areas for development align closely with feedback we regularly receive from families. This alignment presents a valuable opportunity for collaborative efforts to improve outcomes, build trust and enhance confidence. It provides an opportunity to further embed the principle that children and young people with SEND, along with their families, are recognised as equal partners in shaping Rotherham’s services and provisions at individual, operational and strategic levels.’
Two areas for improvement were highlighted, including the varying quality of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans as well as delays for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental need for some children and young people.
Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Rotherham Council, adds: ‘I am very proud that inspectors have recognised the dedication and strength of our SEND provision in Rotherham. The partnership works to ensure young people, whatever their SEND needs, are supported effectively and this report showcases the massive improvement to our services. Our job is not done. Our services and partners will continue to strive for the best support and care for our children and young people with SEND, and the result from the inspectors shows we are well on our way.’
Chris Edwards, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Place Director for Rotherham at NHS South Yorkshire, says: ‘The SEND inspection outcome is fantastic news for Rotherham, recognising the hard work from across all partners to support our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. I’m extremely pleased to see the progress we have made to improving our information and services over the last few years The report also helpfully highlighted some areas for us to work on to help us continue on our improvement journey.’
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