Issuing a “heartfelt apology” alongside NHS Kent and Medway, council leader Roger Gough said the report, published last week following a joint area revisit by inspectors in late September, “makes uncomfortable and hugely disappointing reading”.
It finds that “the area has not made sufficient progress in addressing any of the nine significant weaknesses” noted by inspectors during an inspection three years ago.
“Parental confidence in the local area’s ability to meet their children’s needs is at an all-time low,” a letter received by the council and its health partners following the latest visit states.
“Desperate and dispirited parents repeatedly told inspectors about their experiences, particularly of poor communication. Examples were evidenced where parents and school staff had attempted to call SEN officers 40 or 50 times with no response.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
