Enfield’s Local Area Partnership has welcomed a positive report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an Area SEND inspection.
The inspection found that Enfield’s arrangements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes, which is the highest outcome available under the inspection framework.
Inspectors recognised the strength of partnership working across education, health and social care, highlighting a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
The report praised the partnership’s clear and ambitious vision, strong multi-agency working, effective leadership and meaningful engagement with children, young people, parents and carers. Importantly, it also noted that children and young people with SEND in Enfield are valued members of their community and are supported to help shape services and support available to them.
Key strengths identified by inspectors include well-established governance and accountability, early identification of needs, effective support for children in the early years, strong person-centred care for children with complex medical needs, and support for young people with education, health and care plans as they prepare for adulthood.
Councillor Chris Dey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a significant achievement for the entire partnership and reflects years of dedication, collaboration and determination to improve the experiences and outcomes of children, young people and their families.
“We know how important it is that children and young people with SEND receive the right support at the right time, and this report recognises the strong foundations we have built across Enfield.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners, families and young people to build on these strengths and to address the areas where further improvement is needed.”
The inspection found that children and young people with SEND and their families typically have positive experiences in Enfield, supported by leaders and practitioners who work together across services. The report noted examples of effective support across the system, including Family Hubs providing accessible help for parents and carers of young children, therapy services offering screening and practical advice, and joint clinics helping families avoid multiple appointments and the need to repeat their story.
Tony Theodoulou, Executive Director of People at Enfield Council, said: “This outcome is a testament to the commitment, professionalism and dedication of colleagues across every part of the partnership.
“We have worked hard with the local parent/carer forum, Our Voice, to build a system that places children, young people and families at its heart, and it is encouraging to see that recognised by inspectors.
“I am particularly grateful to the children, young people and parent carers who shared their experiences during the inspection. Their voices have been central to the progress we have made and will continue to shape our priorities as we strive to deliver even better outcomes in the future.”
The partnership will now carefully consider the findings of the report and update its strategic plan in response to the recommendations made by Ofsted and the CQC.
Enfield Council remains committed to working with partners across education, health and social care to ensure children and young people with SEND are supported to thrive, achieve positive outcomes and play an active role in shaping the services that affect them.