Torbay Council has implemented a new SEND pilot scheme to address deep-seated concerns in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. This decision follows a seriously critical inspection by Ofsted showing their deep failings. The initiative comes after numerous complaints regarding the withdrawal of essential educational support, leaving families like that of John Ayres grappling with the challenges of home education.
Then came the devastating news from Rachel Ayres, John’s mother. In the middle of this academic year, the school unexpectedly rescinded her son’s access to an education. Because of this, she made the choice to educate him at home. Until this policy shift, Rachel said, John had been doing excellent at school and hitting all his educational milestones. But ever since the rescission of his support, he hasn’t been able to handle the everyday pressures of school生活.
The recent SEND Ofsted inspection in Torbay found a myriad of issues, with many problems completely entrenched and stemming from as far back as 2021. The report underscored that an unacceptable number of children experience delays in getting their needs properly identified and addressed. Consequently, many children and young people with SEND experienced inadequate access to necessary provisions and support, leading to poor educational experiences.
In light of these positive findings, Torbay Council is working with the Joint Committee on Transport Allegations to roll out a scheme across south Devon as a pilot. Nick Bye, head of children’s services at Torbay Council, prepares for a trip to South Gloucestershire. There, he will tour one such successful program that has been adopted with excellent outcomes.
“We are committed to ongoing improvement across all SEND provision and will continue to work with parents, carers and practitioners to develop and strengthen it,” – Torbay Council and NHS Devon.
Bye also stressed giving schools fast-track access to more help for children with special educational needs. He highlighted the urgency of this support, calling it essential. That’s even more true for people living with behavioral challenges or hit hard by speech, language, and communication disorders.
“Schools [there] have access to support for children, or more support for children with special educational needs, particularly behavioral issues, particularly with speech, language and communication, right at the basics,” – Nick Bye.
He further noted that families should not have to rely on obtaining an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) or endure unnecessary delays in accessing vital support.
The need to tackle the issues highlighted in the Ofsted inspection is critical and it is impossible to overstate the urgency of that. With parents like Rachel Ayres advocating for change, it is clear that immediate action is required to ensure that children with SEND in Torbay receive the appropriate care and education they deserve.
