She is particularly concerned that it is “still taking far too long” for children to get education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which are often needed to unlock support.
Even when approved, plans are blighted by delays in ensuring they are effectively reviewed and updated to consider children’s changing needs.
Another concern raised by de Souza is the increasing number of appeals made by families to challenge councils’ decisions around the plans.
Official figures released in December last year show a 24 per cent increase between 2022/23 and 2021/22 with 2,600 additional appeals launching during this period.
The number of appeals has increased every year over the last decade, the figures also show.
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