Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Acknowledged
Strengthen accountability frameworks for health partners to ensure full integration into the SEND system.
Conclusion
The limited engagement of health services in the SEND system stems from a lack of robust and enforceable accountability mechanisms. Despite being a critical enabler of positive educational outcomes for children with SEND, health services are not held to the same standards of responsibility as education providers. To deliver on the promise of inclusive education, the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care must strengthen accountability frameworks to ensure health partners are fully integrated and responsive within the SEND system. (Conclusion, Paragraph 157)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of health and social care engagement and states it will give full consideration to the committee's recommendations for strengthening accountability frameworks, while also noting ongoing work to improve access to community health services and early interventions.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Ongoing health and social care engagement is essential in delivering effective education and support to children and young people with EHCPs. The SEND Tribunal currently makes non-binding decisions in relation to health and social care appeals, where there is also an appealable educational element. We know that in the majority of cases, these recommendations are followed by health bodies. We will, however, give full consideration to the Committee’s recommendations. The Department is working closely with DHSC and NHS England to improve access to community health services, such as speech and language therapy, for children and young people with SEND. As set out in the 10 Year Health Plan for England, building on the successes of programmes such as Early Speech and Language for Every Child, we will ensure that education and healthcare providers work together with other local services to plan and deliver evidence-based early interventions for children.