Tameside Council faces fire for delays in supporting children with special needs and SEN plans, causing distress to families.
One mom waited over ten months too long to learn about her child’s EHCP. Her other child’s annual review was also very late. The council sent updates nine months behind schedule. The watchdog agency had other concerns, noting issues with how the council kept records. The council also mishandled some of the mother’s complaints.
The council will apologize to the mom and finalize the overdue EHCP. They will pay her £2,100 for her trouble. Ofsted rated their children’s services as ‘inadequate’ in 2023. The department is now under special measures.
The Ombudsman said many plans are delayed, with over half facing delays of eight months or more. In 2024, they completed few reviews, meaning the needs of these children might not get met. Updated info about their support is not finalized.
The Ombudsman wants an action plan that shows how to fix the EHCP review backlog. Local council members should watch its progress. The council accepted these ideas to help kids.
Tameside Council apologized to affected families and acknowledged these delays caused problems. The council has many EHCPs, double the national average, which strains their resources. They have a plan to improve and fix the EHCP backlog and acknowledge this complex issue. They want to stabilize the system. They aim to meet current and future needs.
A review outlines plans to boost SEND services. Improvements are coming to local schools. The SEND team is trying to improve outcomes for families.