We must improve Suffolk's SEND performance
Along with highways, education is one of the most important responsibilities of the County Council.
And as with the County Council performance in fixing roads {see https://www.southsuffolklibdems.org.uk/news/article/fix-our-roads) the current Conservative administration has a poor track record
Take the situation with children with special educational needs (SEND)
The latest report from Suffolk Public Health and Communities Knowledge, Intelligence and Evidence Team concludes "Despite these increases in demand for SEND services, Suffolk still ranks 2nd lowest out of 11 similar counties for the combined prevalence of EHC plans and SEN support in 2024, suggesting that there may be further future need in the population and/or existing unrecognised need currently."
You can read the full report at Suffolk SEND Needs Assessment
Once again here in Suffolk we are being let down by an underperforming Council.
The Labour government have recognised the problem is a national one and are consulting on changes, but little work has been done.
As Liberal Democrats we have five principles and priorities for SEND reform are as follows:
1. Putting children and families first Children’s rights to SEND assessment and support must be maintained and the voices of children and young people with SEND and of their families and carers must be at the centre of the reform process.
2. Boosting specialist capacity and improving mainstream provision Capacity in state special provision must be increased, alongside improvements to inclusive mainstream provision, with investment in both new school buildings and staff training.
3. Supporting local government Local authorities must be supported better to fund SEND services, including through:
a. The extension of the profit cap in children’s social care to private SEND provision, where many of the same private equity backed companies are active
b. National government funding to support any child whose assessed needs exceed a specific cost.
4. Early identification and shorter waiting lists Early identification and intervention must be improved, with waiting times for diagnosis, support and therapies cut.
5. Fair funding The SEND funding system must properly incentivise schools both to accept SEND pupils and to train their staff in best practice for integrated teaching and pastoral care.
These changes will take time to come through, and with the life of the County Council limited by the planned reorganisation of local government, if you elect more Liberal Democrat councillors we will ensure the 9 recommendations in the SEND needs assessment are actioned at pace to ensure our services improve and are in a better state to follow through on whatever reforms are agreed
We need action now, Liberal Democrats will ensure this happens. The more we elect the greater the pressure we can bring to bear