Sign in Subscribe
County councils

Hertfordshire County Council Shifts Focus on SEND and Inclusion

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hertfordshire County Council has deliberately changed its emphasis to prioritize SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) and inclusion following the local elections in May. Councillor Watkin, the newly appointed executive member for education, SEND, and inclusion, emphasized the importance of addressing the complex issue of SEND, which affects not only Hertfordshire but also the country as a whole. He highlighted the rising numbers of children with SEND, including a 27% increase in requests for EHC (Education, Health, and Care) Needs assessments and a 32% increase in those waiting for specialist provision.

Key Takeaways:

  • Councillor Watkin has prioritized SEND and inclusion as key issues under the new administration.
  • An Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection in 2023 found "systemic failings" in the provision of SEND services in Hertfordshire.
  • Councillor Watkin acknowledged the dedication and hard work of officials and NHS services to improve SEND services, but emphasized the need to ensure that every family and school feels the benefit of the improvements.
  • The council plans to hold a SEND summit later in the year to bring together children, young people, families, schools, and system leaders to share experiences and shape the future.
  • Councillor Watkin emphasized the need to listen to the voices of families and respond to their concerns, working together to co-create solutions that are both ambitious and achievable.
  • The council will work with empathy, partnership, and determination to build a system that truly works for every child and every family in Hertfordshire.

Statistics:

  • 27% rise in requests for EHC Needs assessments in the past year.
  • 32% increase in those waiting for specialist provision.
  • 24% year-on-year rise in requests for neurodiversity assessments.
  • 15% of children with SEND were waiting for specialist provision after 26 weeks with 10% of these having been waiting for over a year.
  • The number of children in permanent exclusion has increased by 10% and the number of 16-18-year-olds who are not in education, employment, or training has decreased by 5%.

Sources:

  • Deborah Price, Local Democracy Reporter
  • Local Elections in May
  • Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection in 2023
  • Hertfordshire County Council

Read more