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.
