Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Acknowledged
Improve cross-departmental coordination and strengthen accountability for SEND health services at ICB level.
Conclusion
The Department for Education must significantly improve cross- departmental coordination with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to establish clear, consistent accountability for SEND at the ICB level. Current arrangements are fragmented and lack clarity. Strengthening the role, authority, and visibility of the Senior Responsible Officer for SEND within ICBs is essential to ensure health services are fully held to account for their responsibilities. Without stronger oversight, health bodies will continue to operate without sufficient scrutiny or consequence. (Recommendation, Paragraph 160) Improving early years for lasting impact
Government Response Summary
The government highlights ongoing close work with DHSC and NHS England to improve access to community health services and early interventions, and refers to the new SEND inspection framework (launched Jan 2023) as a mechanism to improve accountability and outcomes at the LA and ICB level, but does not commit to specific coordination improvements or strengthening the SRO role.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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. A new SEND inspection framework launched in January 2023, with all local areas to be inspected by 2027 to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This inspection covers the role of the LA and the ICB. Where a local area does not meet its duties, DfE can take action that prioritises children’s needs and supports local areas to bring about rapid improvement.