Hammersmith and Fulham’s local area partnership was praised for its work supporting young people with SEND
A West London council and local partners have been praised for their work supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) investigation into Hammersmith and Fulham’s local area partnership, a collaboration between the council and bodies including schools and NHS services, found SEND children in the borough “are highly valued, visible and included”.
The report, published this week following inspections in February, highlighted strengths from the workforce supporting young people with SEND to the activities available, such as after-school clubs and holiday play schemes.
Hammersmith and Fulham councillor Alex Sanderson described the report as “hugely encouraging” and said it reflects years of hard work improving local services.
The last inspection of the borough’s local area partnership in 2018 was also largely positive, though with areas of concern including the waiting time for autism spectrum disorder diagnostic assessments.
Since then the way in which health services are commissioned has changed, with the government introducing Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in 2022.
The council and NHS North West London ICB are responsible for the planning and commissioning of health services for young people with SEND in the borough.
Ofsted and CQC’s joint report described the partnership as working “very well to make sure children and young people with SEND are consistently involved in decision‑making across education, health, social care and the wider community”.
The “highly skilled and thoughtful workforce” also came in for praise, as did the accessibility and availability of relevant services for children with SEND.
Their experiences with local facilities were similarly flagged as positive. The inspectors wrote: “Specialist family and youth hubs provide a range of specialist SEND activities, after‑school clubs, weekend sessions, short breaks and holiday play schemes. They offer integrated access to social care, health and education, enabling families to receive the advice and interventions they need.
“These hubs provide valuable opportunities for children and young people with SEND to be included in their local community and make friends.”
The local parent carer forum (PCF) was highlighted as advocating for children and young people with SEND, “playing an instrumental role in shaping strategy and initiatives and providing feedback from parents and carers through working groups and forums”.
The report also noted some areas in which the partnership needs to improve, such as the long waits experienced by some young people before receiving their diagnosis, and delays to implementing some Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
Commenting on the findings, Cllr Sanderson said: “This is a hugely important moment for everyone involved in supporting children and young people with SEND in Hammersmith and Fulham – including our schools, SEND services, health partners, Family Hubs, youth services and Parentsactive.
“We are proud to have the highest rating at every inspection across children’s services. Investing in children and young people truly matters to us, and is a key part of making Hammersmith and Fulham a stronger, safer, kinder borough for everyone.
“In Hammersmith and Fulham, we want every child and young person to feel safe, supported and able to thrive. That means making sure children and young people with SEND are fully included in the life of the borough, whether through youth provision, holiday activities, specialist support or pathways into future careers.”
Cllr Sanderson noted successes delivered by the Labour administration, including opening three new Family Hubs, launching WEST Youth Zone and expanding holiday provision for all children.
She added: “This report is hugely encouraging and reflects years of hard work and partnership across the borough. We will continue listening to families and working with residents and partners to keep improving services for children and young people.”
NHS North West London ICB was also approached for comment.
In May 2024 Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s children’s services were rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
A bump from the ‘good’ rating received five years earlier, the report highlighted improvements including investing in an additional social work team, stronger safeguarding and healthcare arrangements, and delivering a “supportive environment” for social workers.
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