What concerns do inspectors have about SEND services in Lancashire?

Inspectors found that some children with SEND in Lancashire are waiting too long for their needs to be identified and met, citing gaps in services and unclear diagnostic pathways.

Why are autism and ADHD assessments paused in the region?

Referrals for autism and ADHD diagnoses for some children and young people in the region have been paused due to unprecedented high levels of demand.

What is being done to address the issues with SEND services in Lancashire?

Local authorities and the NHS Integrated Care Board acknowledge the report's findings and are implementing improvement programmes to transform services and reduce lengthy waiting times.

Home / Health / Lancashire SEND waits spark inspector alarm

Lancashire SEND waits spark inspector alarm

20 Feb

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Summary

Inspectors found children's SEND needs are unmet.
Gaps exist in services for autism and ADHD diagnoses.
Families face unclear pathways for learning disability diagnosis.

Lancashire SEND waits spark inspector alarm

Inspectors have identified critical issues within SEND services in Lancashire, revealing that some children are facing prolonged delays in receiving necessary support. A joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in December uncovered significant service gaps and a lack of clarity regarding the diagnostic process for learning disabilities. This assessment comes amid unprecedented demand for autism and ADHD assessments, which has led to paused referrals for many young people.

While acknowledging that practitioners often collaborate effectively to support children, the report details specific concerns. Pathways for young people aged 16-25 with autism and those aged 18-25 with ADHD were found to be inadequately commissioned to meet demand. Local authorities and the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) have acknowledged the findings, with officials stating that improvements are underway to address lengthy waiting times and transform services.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Lancashire SEND waits spark inspector alarm

20 Feb

•

Summary

Inspectors found children's SEND needs are unmet.
Gaps exist in services for autism and ADHD diagnoses.
Families face unclear pathways for learning disability diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.