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<p>The department wants to ensure that Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, where
required, are issued as quickly as possible, so that children and young people can
access the support they need.</p><p>In March 2023, the government set out its plans
to reform and improve the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system
through its SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan. It commits to establishing
a single national system that delivers for every child and young person with SEND
so that they enjoy their childhood, achieve good outcomes, and are well prepared for
adulthood and employment.</p><p>As part of these reforms, the department is currently
testing measures to deliver a nationally consistent EHC plan system to improve the
quality and speed with which support is put in place.</p><p>Where local authorities
are failing to deliver consistent outcomes for children and young people with SEND,
the department works with them using a range of improvement programmes and SEND specialist
advisors to address weaknesses.</p><p>Following the joint SEND local area revisit
by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in 2022, an Improvement Notice was issued
to Devon County Council with a requirement to develop an Accelerated Progress Plan
(APP) that addressed the four areas of weakness including one relating to EHC plans.
In line with the Improvement Notice, the APP is subject to rigorous monitoring by
the department and NHS England and the department continues to work closely with the
local area to ensure they are supported in addressing issues and driving improvements
to services.</p>
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