Ellie Ames 05 September 2024

Wirral set to spend extra £1m on struggling SEND

Wirral set to spend extra £1m on struggling SEND image
Image: Studio Romantic / Shutterstock.com

Wirral Council will consider spending an extra £1.1m on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision after it was ordered by the Government to improve.

Officers have recommended that money is moved from a contingency fund and used to hire staff in assessment and psychology teams.

An extra £2.8m will also be needed for SEND services from next year, according to a council report.

The report says staff shortages have contributed to poor inspection outcomes.

In May, an improvement notice from the Department for Education (DfE) criticised the council’s ‘poor progress’ in addressing 10 areas of significant concern raised in an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection in 2021.

The 2021 report had itself criticised the council for being too slow to implement reforms set out in the Children and Families Act 2014.

The improvement notice means the DfE could intervene if Wirral fails to make the necessary changes.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner