There are "significant areas of weaknesses" in the effectiveness of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services provided by Sutton Council, according to a new report.

A joint inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted, published today, raised "significant concerns" which has led to a written statement of action.

Sutton Council says, alongside the Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), that it accepts the findings of the report and will submit a statement of written action in due course.

Lead inspector Andrew Wright said: “[There is an] inequality of opportunity for families, which has arisen from a serious decline in the availability of an effective independent advice service in Sutton.

"[There is a] lack of coherence and joint working between local area leaders, agencies and schools, which is resulting in poor communication, inconsistent opportunities for social inclusion and a high number of exclusions, especially at primary school level.

“[There is] poor oversight of quality and impact of EHC [education and health care] plans in meeting the needs of children and young people.”

In the main findings, it is noted there has been "insufficient progress" over time in implementing the 2014 [Children and Families Act] reforms.

While current leaders are trying to increase the pace of developments and streamline Sutton’s strategy, providers and parents "remain concerned" about the quality of communication by leaders and oversight of reforms.

Conversely, health professionals were praised for working well together in the area to ensure health needs for children and young people are "identified and met correctly, including those with complex needs".

But another issue is that "poor communication has led to tensions" developing between some schools and local area leaders.

It is claimed by the report that some providers told inspectors of feeling "at a distance" from the EHC plan assessment and review process.

A Sutton Council spokesman said: “Sutton Council and the Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group accept Ofsted's findings following their inspection carried out between 22 January and 26 January, 2018.

“We will shortly be submitting a detailed written statement of action to Ofsted explaining how we intend to significantly improve our effectiveness in meeting the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”