Page 22 - Issue 112 May-June 2021

22 The graphical representation (see fig. 2) is taken from the report and illustrates the number of inspections by region and also the outcome of these inspections. The aim has to be for all local areas across all regions to deliver a SEND offer that is compliant, ‘fit-for-purpose’ and meets the requirements of the SEND community. Currently this is not the case (as demonstrated by the above graph) and further work is required to improve standards and attain greater consistency of good practice across areas. A lack of understanding Recently there has been some concerning messages about the quality and consistency of EHCPs, for example, in 2020 a freedom of information request highlighted that in the 2018/2019 academic year, the SEND tribunal had upheld LA decision-making in appeals against the content of an EHCP in just 4% of the cases; representing in 96% the LAs perception regarding EHCP content was not consistent with the parent’s or indeed the decision of the tribunal panel. Figures such as these demonstrate the need for an increased focus on the content and quality of EHCPs. In addition the recent Panorama documentary ‘Fighting for an education’ (7 September 2020) shared some examples from parents who illustrated significant concerns with regards to the content of their child’s EHC plans, despite the promise that came with the introduction of EHCP’s in 2014 that they would be focused and tailored to the child’s needs. The question ‘What does a good EHCP look like?’ and what constitutes the appropriate standard when reviewing an EHCP, are not always clear. This lack of a consistent understanding “To deliver a SEND offer that is compliant” has not supported a quality assurance process. However, there are supporting resources out there; the Council for Disabled Children have developed excellent resources (free to access) and positive examples, to develop greater consistency amongst parents / carers and local authority professionals with regards to what is a ‘good’ EHCP. What is clear is that each LA are developing and implementing their own quality assurance processes and they differ considerably. Each LA is at a different point on the QA of EHCP journey, some have well developed and comprehensive systems involving education, health and social care professionals and others are just beginning to think about the need to review the quality of their plans purely within their SEND teams. There has been considerable progress with regards to local authorities / local areas increasing their focus on the quality of EHCPs and some excellent QA frameworks have been developed. The key is to disseminate this good practice across regions and observe a positive impact on both the quality of plans nationally and the resulting positive outcomes for children and young people. ■ fig. 2 SEN112 senmagazine.co.uk EHCP