OFSTED and the Care Quality Commision have praised Hillingdon Council and its partners for its work with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, following a recent inspection of service delivery in the area.

From 28 November to 2 December 2016, inspectors met with children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities in Hillingdon, as well as parents and carers, leaders for local health, social care and education, and representatives from Hillingdon Council and the NHS.

The report can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-area-send-inspection-outcome-letters

The Ofsted/CQC report commended leaders in Hillingdon for prioritising the safeguarding of children and young people in the borough, and highlighted the strength of joint-working between local service providers.

Without exception, all children and young people interviewed felt that they were kept safe by the adults who support them, and parents and carers were pleased with the support they receive.

The report was also positive about the involvement of parents and carers in planning for improvements for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and feedback and views from parents and carers is valued by the local authority.

Parents and carers are also well supported by local voluntary groups and charities.

The inspection did reveal that parents and carers do not currently have enough information about the local offer, and noted that waiting times for child and adolescent mental health services are too long at the moment.

However, the report also recognised that leaders are already proactively reviewing the service delivery in these areas with a view to make future improvements.

Councillor David Simmonds, cabinet member for children’s services said: “We are delighted that the recent Ofsted/CQC inspection has highlighted Hillingdon’s joined-up approach to safeguarding the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and we are pleased that parent and carer involvement and satisfaction has been recognised.

“We fully take on board the recommendations to improve the service we deliver, and plans for many of the suggested improvements are already underway.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the inspection, and we look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to improve outcomes for children and young people across the borough.”

For information on Hillingdon's Local Offer, visit: http://directory.hillingdon.gov.uk/kb5/hillingdon/fsd/localoffer.page