A report has found that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bolton enjoy positive experiences and outcomes from local services.
A joint inspection was carried out by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in June, and the full report can now be read online.
Inspectors focused on how effectively the local authority and the integrated care board (ICB) jointly plan, develop and evaluate services, for children and young people with SEND.
Key partners across the NHS, schools, education providers, early years and the Bolton Parent Carer Forum also contributed to the inspection process.
The report finds that SEND service providers in Bolton are “passionately ambitious” for children and “inspire a culture of care and creativity”.
Inspectors highlighted several areas where the SEND partnership in Bolton is performing well.
These include the involvement of children and families in care planning, strong collaboration between partners, and effective work to prepare young people for adulthood.
Areas identified for improvement include reducing waiting times, the need for more support to those children experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties, as well as improving the timeliness of assessments and planning.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:
“What comes through clearly in this report is the dedication and genuine care that SEND providers show towards children and young people in Bolton.
“But that passion is also combined with practical and effective measures that make a real difference to our service users, helping them live independent and fulfilling lives.
“I want to firstly thank everyone for their continued hard work, and secondly to restate our commitment to maintaining and improving standards in this area.”
Fiona Noden, Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Place Based Lead for Bolton said:
“We’re so proud of the outcome of the inspection and believe that it truly does justice to the work of countless professionals across Bolton supporting our children and young people with additional needs.
“Whilst this is the announcement of an inspection, this outcome isn’t the result of this inspection – it’s because every day people who care are doing the right things for these children and their families, and will continue to do so.”
NHS Greater Manchester’s Chief Executive, Mark Fisher, said:
“Partnership working is the bedrock of how we deliver health and care services across Greater Manchester.
“This report for Bolton is testament to how working together across different agencies can really drive forward improvements that make a meaningful impact on the lives of our young people and making sure every child in Bolton has the opportunity to thrive.”