A REVIEW of special educational needs services in Worcestershire has identified “widespread systemic failings”.

Ofsted says too many children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the county “wait an unacceptable time to have their needs accurately identified, assessed and met”.

A report published on Monday, July 15 says children are waiting too long for specialist mental health services.

The waiting lists for neurodevelopmental disorders is also too long, according to Ofsted, and there is a lack of specialist SEND places across Worcestershire, with demand outstripping supply.

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According to the report: “Some parents and carers feel they have no option other than to electively home educate their child.”

But area leaders are praised for identifying areas that need to be addressed, starting to use data in a more forensic way and for making an effort to understand the needs of children who cannot attend school.

Ofsted says it will carry out a monitoring inspection within 18 months and another full inspection within three years.

The two authorities responsible for SEND services in Worcestershire - the county council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) will now need to prepare and submit an action plan to address the areas of concern.

A joint statement has been issued on behalf of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, Worcestershire Children First and Worcestershire County Council.

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It said: “We fully accept the findings and recommendations on what the Worcestershire Local Area Partnership needs to improve.

“Whilst the report recognises that progress has been made in some areas, the partnership would like to apologise to those children and young people with SEND who have not received the timely support they need.

“We face similar challenges to partnerships up and down the country, however we know that more can be done locally. As a partnership, we are committed to reducing waiting times and providing better support for those children and young people who are currently waiting.

“We want children and young people with SEND to feel truly seen and respected as individuals and this will be a key priority for us in further developing our co-production of services.”