| answer text |
<p>The special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice makes clear
that local authorities must give their decision in response to any request for an
education, health and care needs assessment within a maximum of 6 weeks from when
the request was received or the point at which a child or young person was brought
to the local authority’s attention.</p><p>We have been using data to provide challenge
and support to those local authorities where there are long-standing delays. Additionally,
because of circumstances relating to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are carrying out monthly
surveys of local authority performance. Our teams of SEND Advisers, and colleagues
in NHS England, are working with local authorities to help improve performance. Each
year, we also deliver a training programme to local authorities, health, and social
care staff on their statutory duties for education, health and care plans and reviews,
and we have continued to do this on a virtual basis.</p><p>Ofsted and the Care Quality
Commission (CQC) re-started their revisit programme to areas that received a Written
Statement of Action in May, with the full inspection programme re-starting in June.
We are continuing to provide support and challenge to individual local authorities
with a Written Statement of Action. We have commissioned the CQC and Ofsted, with
the support of the Department of Health and Social Care, to develop a new area SEND
inspection framework to launch after the existing cycle has finished.</p><p>Furthermore,
we are providing over £42 million in the 2021/22 financial year to continue funding
projects to support children with SEND. This investment will ensure that specialist
organisations around the country can continue to help strengthen local area performance,
support families, and provide practical support to schools and colleges.</p><p> </p>
|
|
