The Children’s Minister, Janet Daby MP, wrote to local representatives yesterday (6th August) announcing the news, saying “considerable progress” had been made since the improvement notice was issued, following a critical SEND revisit inspection undertaken by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in September 2022.
This development follows the news that a formal monitoring visit in April 2024 found “sustainable improvements” were being made by the local area in all nine areas of weakness identified in the 2022 inspection.
While the notice was issued to KCC, the council was asked to work with NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver the improvement plan, which included health-related actions.
With the casework backlog being a key priority, we have already tripled the number of cases completed each month, halved the number of cases waiting for an assessment decision, and are on track to hit national averages for the 20-week deadline by September.
In her latest letter, the Children’s Minister said: “I was encouraged to read that the local area was able to demonstrate evidence of considerable progress since the improvement notice was issued.
“I have noted that strengthened capacity and strong governance arrangements, alongside renewed commitment from senior leaders and improved partnership working across the local area has increased the pace of change over the last 16 months.
“I have therefore taken the decision to lift the improvement notice on the understanding that the provision of SEND services remains a priority for all in the local area… my decision is a reflection of the hard work undertaken by the local area to improve services.”
The Minister added that there is still “further progress to be made” and that government officials and NHS England will continue to support progress against our improvement plan. This will be achieved through their regular attendance at our Improvement Board and through six-monthly reviews.
“Since my appointment to my Cabinet role, we have strengthened our internal teams, strengthened our working practices, and strengthened our partnerships...”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Rory Love, said: “I am delighted that the significant improvements we have already made have been recognised by the Government.
“Since my appointment to my Cabinet role, we have strengthened our internal teams, strengthened our working practices, and strengthened our partnerships with the NHS, the education sector, and Kent PACT. The hard work of all concerned is now bringing benefits for children, young people, and their families.”
KCC’s Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, Sarah Hammond, said: “The Minister’s decision is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people who work tirelessly to support children and young people and their families – nursery, childcare and early years workers, teachers and teaching assistants, school and college leaders, health and social care workers, therapists, Kent PACT, our partners in the NHS and our own staff.
“I also want to thank all the young people and their parents and carers for sharing their experiences and feedback. Your willingness to work positively with us has been critical to helping shape the improvements we have collectively made across the SEND system.”
NHS Kent and Medway’s Chief Delivery Officer, Lee Martin, said: “This is welcome recognition of the strengthened partnership working put in place between KCC and NHS Kent and Medway following the improvement notice. Together, we can really make a difference.
“It is good news for children in Kent with special educational needs and disabilities, their families and our colleagues, who will continue to work hard to support them.”
ENDS
