Salford’s support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has been given the top grade following its latest inspection.
The Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Area inspection took place in July this year. The outcome is the highest of the three Ofsted inspection grades.
SEND support and services are currently accessed by around 12,500 children in Salford, with the positive outcome reflective of Salford City Council’s pledge to create a ‘Child Friendly City’.
The report says SEND provision in Salford ‘typically leads to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people’, ‘is taking action where improvements are needed’ with ‘strong and well-established multi-agency collaboration’.
Concillor, Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s services at Salford City Council, said: “We welcome this inspection outcome and are pleased that Ofsted and the CQC have recognised the positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Salford.
“This reflects the dedication of our staff, schools, health partners and, most importantly, our families and young people, whose voices play a vital role in shaping and improving services.
“While we are encouraged by this recognition, we know there is always more to do, and we remain fully committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement.
“By continuing to work together across our partnership, we will build on the progress already made and ensure that every child and young person with SEND in Salford can thrive and achieve their full potential”, he added.
A new specialist primary school is due to open in 2029 to teach more children with SEND requirements.
Salford has invested into SEND with the £5.2 million specialist facility at Springwood Primary School in Swinton and the £9.2 million grant from the Department for Education in June.
The funding allowed an additional 120 school places for pupils with additional needs. The new Springwood facilities will provide specialist support for a further 40 children in the city aged seven-eleven.
Hannah Dobrowolska, Place Partnership Director (Salford) for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “I am delighted that the inspectors have recognised the strengths of Salford’s SEND partnership working and the commitment of a wide range of frontline health practitioners to provide care that meets the needs of Salford’s children and young people.
She continued, “We are proud of the many examples of good practice, while also staying committed to working on the areas where we know we need to do better.”
