June 24, 2022, Telegraph and Argus: Bradford SEND inspection - Conservative Group's 'deep concern' https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/20235021.bradford-send-inspection---conservative-groups-deep-concern/
N. England
BRADFORD Conservatives have spoken of their “deep concerns” following an inspection of the district's SEND (special education needs and disability) provision….
Parents and carers were said to have “lost faith” in the system and a statement of action must now be produced by Bradford Council and the Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group to explain how the areas of weakness will be tackled….
She added: “The lack of communication at a strategic and operational level between the Council and its partners again came as no surprise, as didn’t the fact that communication with schools, children, parents and carers was also poor and that the Council didn’t listen to them, leaving all frustrated.”
She said it was “absolutely no wonder” that people had lost faith in the system and added: “If one was to read the Council’s statement regarding the latest findings on their website, you could be forgiven for not realising that there was and still is an ongoing problem, as it paints such an unrealistic picture of the inspection findings.”
Cllr Poulsen said she and her Conservative Group colleagues remain skeptical about the Council’s ability to improve the lives of vulnerable children.
Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “There is nothing more important than providing excellent services and support for children in our district. …
Cllr Khan said there is a national issue in supporting children with special educational needs. He said: “Post-pandemic the demand for these kinds of services in our young population is greater than ever.
“Nationally the Local Government Association has reported that there is a £600 million [$736M] funding gap for SEND, Government cannot ignore this.
“Regardless of the national picture, we are clear here locally that we need to do better. …
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