The big picture: Suffolk's SEND services are facing significant challenges, particularly in processing Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans within required timeframes. The government is implementing measures to support improvement, but concerns remain about the experiences and outcomes for children with SEND in the area.
An inspection in November 2023 found systemic issues: Catherine McKinnell, Minister of State for Education, acknowledged the problems, stating: "The local area SEND inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Suffolk local area partnership in November 2023 found widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND."
She also laid out the government's plans to address them:
Local action plan submitted: Suffolk's local area partnership has created a priority action plan to address the failings, including improving EHC plan timeliness.
Government oversight increased: The Department for Education is monitoring progress through deep dive and stocktake meetings.
Expert support commissioned: An expert SEND advisor will guide Suffolk's improvement efforts, focusing on EHC plan timeliness.
Funding for educational psychologists: While specific funding for Suffolk wasn't mentioned, the government is investing £21 million nationally to train 400 more educational psychologists.
Why it matters: Proper support for children with SEND is crucial for their education and future success. The identified issues in Suffolk could significantly impact local families dealing with long wait times and inadequate services.
The bottom line: While the government and local authorities are taking steps to address the issues in Suffolk's SEND services, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. In the meantime, families in Suffolk may continue to face challenges in accessing timely and adequate support for children with special educational needs.
Sources
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of PLMR Genesis, Ipswich Sports Club and Start, Build & Grow
PLMR Genesis
PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.
Ipswich Sports Club
Ipswich Sports Club is one of Suffolk’s leading independent, competitive racket sports and hockey clubs, with a rich history spanning over a century.
Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?
If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.Ann Summers pulls out of Ipswich town centre
The lingerie and adult retailer will shut its Tavern Street store at the end of the month, putting a bit of a dampener on what has been a strong few weeks for Ipswich's high street, with several new openings.
Partner's tears as justice delivered for beloved grandmother Anita Rose
Murdered dog walker Anita Rose's partner of 11 years broke down in tears as her killer, Roy Barclay, was convicted at Ipswich Crown Court today.Felixstowe man who fled country following construction death charges arrested in Scotland
Peter Clifford, 62, was arrested in Aberdeenshire this morning after failing to appear at Ipswich Crown Court for charges related to a fatal construction incident in Woodbridge in 2020.Ipswich Book Festival announces first events for October
Tickets are now on sale for the opening weekend of Ipswich Book Festival, featuring conversations with bestselling authors including Larry Lamb, Charlie Bingham and Roland Allen from 3-5 October.Ipswich coffee firm brews up support for mental health
Paddy & Scott's has created a new decaffeinated coffee called Clear Mind, donating 25p from each bag sold to Suffolk Mind to fund mental health services.PLMR Genesis, Ipswich Sports Club and Start, Build & Grow
PLMR Genesis
PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.Ipswich Sports Club
Ipswich Sports Club is one of Suffolk’s leading independent, competitive racket sports and hockey clubs, with a rich history spanning over a century.Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?
If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.Pregnant then screwed: Ipswich mum's viral post sparks nationwide conversation about parental discrimination
Jessica Kenningale had applied for more than 70 jobs when she noticed the pattern. In every single interview, the same question came up: "Will this job work around your childcare?" The Ipswich mum-of-two knew they weren't really asking about logistics – they were asking if being a parent made her a problem.
Local kids lead fight against Ipswich littering problem
Children as young as seven are taking a stand against littering with eye-catching poster designs now appearing across the town.Ipswich spa snaps up college's top beauty therapy graduates
Riverhills Health Club and Day Spa has recruited three 18 and 19-year-old therapists straight from Suffolk New College's Level Three Beauty Therapy programme.Willis Building lights up pink ahead of Ed Sheeran concerts
Ipswich's iconic Willis Building has been illuminated pink as part of the town-wide campaign to welcome 90,000 Ed Sheeran fans this week.Ipswich to get enhanced bus services as Suffolk launches biggest expansion since 1998
Ipswich and the surrounding communities will get new and improved bus routes from late August, funded by a £2.8m government grant.PLMR Genesis, Ipswich Sports Club and Start, Build & Grow
PLMR Genesis
PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.Ipswich Sports Club
Ipswich Sports Club is one of Suffolk’s leading independent, competitive racket sports and hockey clubs, with a rich history spanning over a century.Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?
If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.Suffolk Chamber slams Government as Suffolk snubbed in £92bn transport investment
In a blow to the Chamber and our region, the Ely/Haughley junction improvements have been excluded from transport upgrades announced today, despite the Government backing over 50 road and rail schemes across England worth £92 billion.Young creatives invited to design custom trainers in Ipswich
Professional sneaker artist Starline Customs and visual artist Benny Brown will mentor participants through creating their own unique footwear designs this month. Tickets are expected to sell fast so book while you can.
