The September meeting highlighted the city’s ‘sustainable progress’ and reaffirmed that this work is ‘having a positive impact’ across the system – despite ongoing pressures and significant changes within both health and council services.
The review follows a Local Area SEND inspection which identified 6 key areas for improvement. A Written Statement of Action was developed to address these, and Wolverhampton has now successfully closed off 5 of the 6 areas.
The latest monitoring report praised Wolverhampton’s strong leadership and governance arrangements, as well as its commitment to co-production with young people through HY5! and with families via alternative routes while the Parent Carer Forum undergoes reform. A new forum, called SEND Wolves Parent Voice, is currently being established with support from Contact, and plans are in place for wider parental engagement.
Reviewers noted the city’s ability to demonstrate impact in improving the accuracy and timeliness of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and Annual Reviews, despite unprecedented demand and capacity challenges. A recovery plan is in place to address delays, and assessors are keen to see the results of its implementation over the coming months.
The city’s ‘Local Offer’ website has been relaunched and is helping families feel better informed and more aware of available support.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "It’s encouraging to see the continued recognition of our progress from the Department for Education and NHS England.
"We’ve worked hard to improve SEND support across the city, and it’s clear that this is making a real difference to children, young people and their families.
"We remain focused on closing off the final area for improvement and will continue to work at pace to deliver the high standards our families expect and deserve.”