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.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner