Longstanding systemic challenges are currently limiting areas’ efforts – although there are examples of innovation and strong practice, according to the resulting report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, published today (16 December).
'Preparation for adulthood arrangements in local areas: a thematic review', which did not make individual judgements, explored how partners in the local areas (Wolverhampton, Wandsworth, Thurrock Newcastle upon Tyne Bath, and North East Somerset) work together on preparation for adulthood arrangements (PfA).
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The report highlights a stark disparity in PfA provision for young people with and without an education, health and care (EHC) plan, noting, for example, that those without an EHC plan are often not able to benefit from supported internship arrangements.
The inspectorates, which surveyed over 2,000 children, young people, parents, carers and practitioners, also found that too many young people with SEND face a “cliff edge” in health support as they reach 18, with health services often not involved in planning for their transition to adult life.
One young person highlighted in the report spent nearly a year awaiting an autism diagnosis and has been unable to access additional support for her mental health difficulties and substance misuse. In addition, despite agencies working together to review the support offered by her school and children’s social care - health services were entirely absent from discussions about her needs.
The report notes that partnerships offering stronger PfA arrangements make sure that preparation begins in the early years, and they work strategically across areas to share expertise and enhance provision in a way that reflects the views and wishes of children and young people.
In areas with weaker PfA arrangements, inspectors found ineffective joint commissioning of services, poorer information sharing, and a lack of communication with parents and carers about the local services available.
The report calls for improved joint working across children’s, adult and health services and makes a number of recommendations for relevant government departments and organisations, including:
- Developing a national EHC plan template that includes PfA, so it is considered at the earliest possible stage, as well as national guidance to ensure there is a transitional period of support when an EHC plan ends.
- Continuing to increase the number of supported internships on offer for young people with SEND and expanding access to these opportunities, supported by a national campaign to encourage more employers to provide opportunities for young people with SEND.
- Strengthening national guidance on transitions from children’s to adult’s health services.
- Addressing conflicting responsibilities and gaps across social care, education and health related provision, and creating a national set of standards outlining clear responsibilities for these different organisations.
- Addressing the national shortage of high-quality specialist residential and supported living accommodation.
- Ensuring all EHC plans consistently and accurately specify the health support that should be available at different stages of a child’s life as they reach adulthood.
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said it is “vital” that children and young people with SEND receive the right support, adding: “So I am very concerned that longstanding challenges across the SEND system are preventing local areas from improving support for some of our most vulnerable young people.
“It is particularly worrying that children waiting for an EHC plan are not receiving the level of support they need.”
Highlighting positive aspects, Oliver said: “Many local areas are developing solutions to the challenges they face and improving support for young people at the earliest possible stage.
“I hope this report, and its examples of good practice, can help government and partners across health, education and social care to deliver improvements for children with SEND at the earliest opportunity.”
Lucy Harte, deputy director for Multi-Agency Operations at the CQC, said: “We found that partnerships have the greatest impact when they work together with children and families at the earliest opportunities on the critical transition to adulthood.
“However, this report also lays bare the reality that too many young people with SEND are not getting the support they need.
“Our joint report makes a number of recommendations including strengthening national guidance on transitions from children’s to adult’s health services and addressing the conflicting responsibilities and gaps across social care, education and health related provision.
“Addressing these challenges cannot happen in silos and all organisations involved must work closely together to make sure that the benefits are felt by each child and young person who relies on this crucial support.”
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, called on Ofsted to "consider a more supportive approach" to the sector, adding: "We need to see significantly improved funding and a joined-up working approach, which increases the capacity of local authorities, health services and schools to meet demand and provide effective support.
"Young people with SEND deserve an independent and successful transition to adulthood, whether that is further study or work. This could be with or without an EHC plan."
The NEU would like to see supported internships being "based on need rather than having a diagnosis and the relevant paperwork", he continued.
