Suffolk County Council reveals blueprint for improving Suffolk's SEND services

The big picture: The report represents the most detailed assessment of SEND needs ever conducted in Suffolk, examining current arrangements, future demand and existing challenges in provision.

Why it matters: The council says that the findings will immediately inform improvement plans following last year's Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which required the creation of a Local Area Priority Action Plan due to significant shortcomings in Suffolk's SEND provisions.

Key players: SEND services in Suffolk are delivered through a local area partnership between:

• Suffolk County Council

• NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board

• NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board

By the numbers: The report states that:

• 99% of Suffolk children were assessed and issued with an education, health and care plan in 2023, compared with 94% across England

• £155 was spent per SEND child in Suffolk during 2022/23

• £100 was the England average spend per SEND child

• £95 was the East of England average spend per SEND child

What they're saying: Sarah-Jane Smedmor, Executive Director of Children & Young People's Services at Suffolk County Council, said: "This is a timely report furnishing us with data-rich analysis which will help us make big decisions about the future of SEND provision in Suffolk."

Claire Smith, chair of the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum, said: "Families' perspectives are essential for predicting the future of SEND in Suffolk and play a crucial role in recognising current and future gaps."

Details: Recommendations emerging from the report include:

• Addressing delays in assessment, diagnosis and treatment

• Planning for increased future demand as both needs and numbers are projected to rise

• Improving early intervention and timely diagnoses

• Enhancing communication and transition support

What's next: The Health and Wellbeing Board will discuss the report on Thursday 16 January.

Bottom line: The report lays out the plan to improve Suffolk's SEND services, with recommendations set to shape immediate changes in how support is delivered to children and young people across the county.

Now, all eyes will be on how Suffolk County Council, the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board execute the plan.