Lee Peart 15 July 2024

Council resists calls for leader to quit after critical SEND report

Council resists calls for leader to quit after critical SEND report image
Image: Piotr Swat / Shutterstock.com.

West Northamptonshire Council has resisted calls for its head of children’s services to quit following a damning Ofsted and CQC report.

The council’s leader Cllr Adam Brown said he had ‘every confidence’ in Cllr Fiona Baker after she faced calls to step down.

He said: ‘Leading children’s services is an incredibly challenging task at any time, particularly in light of the unprecedented demand we’re facing.

‘Cllr Baker has been instrumental in bringing forward the proposals which will see our SEND services make significant improvements in the coming years. Furthermore, she has overseen improvements in performance across the other Ofsted rated areas within her portfolio and has a passion and understanding that few could match.

‘I have every confidence in Cllr Baker and will continue to support her in delivering the changes we all recognise are required.’

The Ofsted and CQC inspection found ‘significant concerns' in SEND provision in West Northamptonshire.

Inspectors found children and young people were waiting too long for health services such as speech and language therapy, mental health services and neurodevelopmental assessment.

The report said the current needs of the majority of children and young people were not reflected in their education, health and care plans, which were inaccurate and not completed in a timely manner.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner