The Sefton Local Area Partnership has received a positive evaluation in its latest inspection regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. Inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that children and young people in the borough feel listened to, respected, and actively involved in the decisions that shape their lives.
This report marks a significant milestone for Sefton, indicating that the voices of those with additional needs are increasingly influencing both individual support plans and broader strategic decisions. The findings suggest a shift toward a more inclusive environment where professionals across education, health, and social care work in closer alignment. This follows the 2025 rating where Sefton’s Children’s Services were graded as ‘Good,’ showing a sustained trajectory of improvement across the wider service network.
Positive outcomes for Sefton SEND services
The inspection highlighted that local leaders have demonstrated a clear commitment to hearing directly from children. This engagement is not limited to occasional consultations but is becoming a structural part of how services are designed. Strong, trusting relationships between professionals and families were cited as a primary driver for ensuring that support is impactful and personalized.
Inspectors observed that children with SEND in the borough benefit from the early identification of their needs. This proactive approach allows for more timely and well-coordinated support, reducing the risk of children falling through the gaps between different service providers. The report suggests that the borough is now well-positioned to implement upcoming national SEND reforms due to this established foundation of partnership working.
Collaboration with the Parent Carer Forum
A central component of the progress noted by Ofsted is the strength of the partnership between the local authority, health services, and the Sefton Parent Carer Forum. This collaboration ensures that the lived experiences of families are at the forefront of service delivery. By working together, the partnership has created a more responsive system that focuses on delivering positive outcomes rather than just managing processes.
Becky Bibby, Executive Director of Children’s Services, noted that the inspection celebrates the role of these trusted relationships. The focus remains on ensuring that every young person receives the right support at the right time, a goal that relies heavily on the continued input of the Parent Carer Forum to identify where systemic changes are most needed.
National reforms and local service demand
Sefton is operating within a challenging national context where demand for SEND services is rising significantly. The borough’s journey reflects the broader ambitions of the UK’s national SEND reform agenda, which aims to create a more sustainable and inclusive system. Despite the local progress, the pressure on resources remains a factor as more families seek specialized support for complex needs.
Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, welcomed the recognition of the progress made. She emphasized that putting families at the heart of the service has been the driving force behind the improvements. However, the council acknowledges that the rising demand requires a constant evolution of how services are funded and delivered to maintain the current standards of care.
Improvements to EHCP processing and waiting times
While the report is largely positive, it also identifies specific areas where the Sefton Local Area Partnership must focus its future efforts. Consistency of support remains a challenge, with some families experiencing different levels of service depending on their specific location or needs. Specifically, the quality and timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were highlighted as requiring further attention.
Waiting times for certain specialized services continue to be an issue, mirroring a trend seen across many UK local authorities. The Partnership has committed to addressing these delays to ensure that the transition from identification to support is as seamless as possible. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden on families while improving the precision of the support packages provided.
Cllr Roscoe added that the council is committed to working openly and honestly with families as they address these remaining gaps. The focus for the coming year will be on delivering high-quality support consistently across the borough, ensuring that the improvements seen in the latest Ofsted report are felt by every child and young person with SEND in Sefton.
Source: Sefton Council
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