Purpose

Report to present to Cabinet the SEND Local Area Inspection Report, March 2026, and to seek Cabinet’s endorsement of the Post Inspection Action Plan (PIAP), as submitted to the Department for Education, as the mechanism for implementing the work to support improvement in those areas outlined by the Inspection Report. Cabinet is also asked to support the continued delivery of the PIAP through the Local Area Partnership governance arrangements.

Decision

DECISION:

1. That the findings of the 2026 Area SEND inspection and the Local Area Partnership’s Post-Inspection Action Plan, including the helpful feedback received from the Department for Education and NHS England, be noted.
2. That the ongoing direction of travel and partnership approach set out in the Post-Inspection Action Plan, recognising that it is a live document and aligns with the wider SEND Reform Programme, be supported.
3. That it be noted that delivery is under way and that it be agreed that progress, outcomes, risks and dependencies will be monitored through established governance arrangements, including SEND Board, with any material financial, legal, operational or delivery implications brought forward through the appropriate Council decision-making and assurance processes.

Reason for the Decision: 

As contained within the report.

Alternative options considered:

None other than contained within the report.

Conflicts of interest declared:

None.

Dispensations granted in respect of a conflict of interest:

N/A