Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of access to SEND services in Staffordshire.

Following the last Ofsted inspection, departmental officials have been working with Staffordshire County Council to closely monitor progress against the areas for improvement identified by inspectors. These areas were that coproduction was weak and that the quality of education, health and care plans was poor.

The department has appointed a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Advisor to support and work alongside Staffordshire County Council and the local area partnership.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with SEND or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to taking a community wide approach in collaboration with local area partnerships, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to children and young people with the most complex needs.