CHILDREN are still waiting too long for autism and ADHD assessments in Worcestershire – two years after an inspection found “widespread failings” in the county’s SEND services.
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) say authorities have been “ineffective” in tackling wait times for children and families.
Regulators have been carrying out follow-up inspections on various aspects of Worcestershire’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision since a damning 2024 report found “systemic failings” in the service.
The latest inspection, carried out in May, found that: “Partnership work has led to a decrease in children waiting for neurodevelopmental (ND) assessments and community paediatric services.
PROGRESS: But health chief Dan Boatright-Greene said there is still some way to go (Image: Submitted)
“However, for those children and families still awaiting an assessment, the delay for many remains unacceptably long.
“At the time of the inspection, no improvements to children and young people’s experiences of the ND service were evident.
“As a result, most children and young people continue to wait too long for assessments and support. During these long waits, many children experience prolonged uncertainty, and their needs are not understood quickly enough.”
READ MORE: ‘Widespread failings’ in Worcestershire SEND services
Inspectors said waiting times had “recovered” for occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and said fewer children were waiting for neurodivergent assessments and community paediatric services.
The report, published on Wednesday (July 8) also said bosses had taken “effective action” to involve children and young people with SEND in key decision making.
Authorities ‘sorry’ for long waits
The Worcestershire SEND Local Area Partnership – made up of Worcestershire County Council, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust – welcomed the report.
Jane Friswell, independent chair of the SEND and Alternative Provision Executive Board, said: “We are sorry children and young people in Worcestershire continue to experience long waits for some services.
READ MORE: SEND waiting lists have got worse since Ofsted report
“We appreciate this can bring uncertainty and inconsistent support for some families and the SEND partnership will endeavour to focus on improving this experience.”
Dan Boatright-Greene, the council’s cabinet member for education, SEND and skills, said: “The report recognises the clear progress made and the growing role children and young people are playing in shaping the services that affect them.
“We know we still have some way to go and will continue to reach out to everyone to ensure we put the voice of all young people in the centre of our work.
“I recognise there is still work to do and will always reach out to those who feel their voices are not yet heard.”
