Significant progress made in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support

A letter from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission highlights clear improvements across the local SEND system in Oldham.

Inspectors said that better joint working is making a real difference, with services becoming easier to access, more inclusive, and more focused on what children, young people and families actually need. 

They also recognised that partners now have a clearer sense of direction, a stronger ambition to improve, and a growing focus on providing help earlier, so problems are tackled before they escalate. 

The report comes after a visit in June 2023 outlined how SEND services in Oldham needed to improve. 

Cllr Mohon Ali, Oldham Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This is an encouraging and well-deserved recognition of the hard work taking place across Oldham to improve SEND services for our children, young people and their families. 

“This letter shows we have listened to families, listened to feedback and taken action. It reflects the dedication of our staff, schools, health colleagues and wider partners, who are working together to build a system that is more responsive, inclusive and supportive. 

“Most importantly, it reflects our ongoing commitment to listening to families, learning from their experiences, and making real improvements that positively impact everyday lives.” 

Mike Barker, Place Director, Greater Manchester ICB, said: “I am delighted with the progress we have made in Oldham and that this has been recognised by the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted. 

"We are determined to ensure all children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, can flourish. The hard work of our teams and partners is paying off, leading to better outcomes for children and families. I want to thank colleagues at the Northern Care Alliance and Pennine Care Foundation Trust for their continued commitment and adaptability. 

"We are not complacent and know there is more to do. We will build on this progress to deliver consistently good, inclusive services for even more children and families.” 

Andrew Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at POINT, said: "Oldham’s SEND partnership has worked incredibly hard over the past 2 years to improve SEND services in Oldham with, and for, children, young people and their families. 

"This Ofsted CQC inspection report highlights the positive work that we have started in Oldham, but our partnership is ambitious and knows there is more to do.  

"POINT will continue to champion the voice of Oldham families to ensure their lived experience is at the heart of decision making as we continue to implement our ambitious plans for SEND in Oldham, ensuring every child or young person with SEND can achieve the best possible outcomes." 

The council and its partners remain committed to building on this progress through continued investment, service improvement and close engagement with children, young people and families, ensuring that SEND provision in Oldham continues to strengthen and deliver better outcomes for all.