Youths with special needs in Shropshire and Telford being 'failed'

New data has shown widespread failings in making sure plans are in place for children with special educational needs moving from secondary school to a post-16 placement, apprenticeship or college.

Figures obtained under Freedom of Information show how Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are among 114 nationwide that have failed to meet the new deadline for issuing education, health and care plans for young people with special educational needs this spring.

The plans are meant to help children who are transferring from school to a post-16 institution or an apprenticeship in September.

This year in Shropshire, just 20 teenagers received their plan by the deadline, out of 97 with special educational needs who wish to continue with their learning. In Telford & Wrekin, out of 125 young people with special needs 91 had received their plan by the cut-off date.

Councillor David Minnery, Shropshire Council cabinet member for children's services, said: "Shropshire Council is absolutely committed to ensuring all children in Shropshire receive the best possible education in our county and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

"Where children and young people need additional support to meet their learning needs or have a disability, we work in partnership with them, their schools, and further educational establishments to make sure their assessed needs are met.

"Following the changes to the deadline for completing the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) from May 31 to now March 31, we viewed this unfair for young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) as they are being requested to make a decision about post-16 destination without having the same time and information that their non-SEND peers would have to support the decision-making process.

"The offer of further educational placements may also be subject to exam results.

"There are very strict timescales for forming this plan once a need is identified and it is our expressed intention to meet these timescales wherever possible to ensure that all the needs of the young person are identified.

"The range of information we need to gather is extensive as we are working with a wide range of practitioners and partners to ensure all the young person's needs will be met before issuing a plan.

"Some EHCPs take longer to formulate than others and we involve parents and young people in the co-production of their plan.

"We remain committed to ensuring all young people who require an EHCP have one and no young person has been failed by our processes as all have access to college support or are remaining in school, where their needs will be met. We have and are continuing to work closely with our partners in reviewing our planning and commissioning processes to ensure that the 'preparation for adulthood' process is person-centred and central to our SEND children and young people from as early as Year 8."

He added: "Shropshire has an excellent record in supporting young people with SEND to go on to further education and is working closely with the young people and their parents to deliver the best outcomes for them.

"As it currently stands, the majority of young people identified as needing an EHCP who are in Year 11 and moving on to college or other further education now have a plan formulated or in progress."