Inspection claims special needs families are being let down

Watchdogs say Gloucestershire County Council and the local NHS are letting down young people with special educational needs (SEND).

An inspection said systems were too reactive, with families reaching crisis point before their needs are met.

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission said more than two thirds of children do not get the help they need.

Parents praised some aspects of support but many say they are battling a system where they feel they are the problem.

In a report, inspectors said services to support children with SEND and their families are heading in the right direction, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Speaking in a council meeting on 9 March, Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Evans called on council leaders to show that they own the problem by apologising.

He said a mother approached him about her child who should be in reception who does not go to school.

"That's the reality of it. The pressure that puts on the parent, the lack of education for the child, that's the reality of the situation we are in," he said.

Conservative councillor Philip Robinson, who is responsible for education on the council, said apologising would not change anything.

He added that the authority is focused on making sure they resolve the problem and that it is on the right track.

"Apologies wouldn't change anything in terms of the service we need to make sure we resolve the problem, he said".

"That's what this is about and that's why the emphasis is the way it is. I'm not being dismissive of it but I want a solution and not an emotional response to it" he said.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.