Recommendation 4 update

Recommendation 4 - Local area partnership leaders should ensure that they share accurate data across health, education and social care to support rigorous and effective self-evaluation and inform joint commissioning.

What we have done so far:

  • Council data team has updated the existing education/social care data to include reports on early identification of SEND at early years settings in comparison with schools.
  • Completed the annual refresh of the publicly available SEND data tool, which incorporates a large variety of education-based published SEND data and allows Southend to be compared against other authorities.
  • Data from education teams at the council is being shared through SEND meetings to outline service delivery and impact.
  • A SEND Joint Strategic Needs Assessment that includes data across education, health and social care has been commissioned.
  • The development of a new health data dashboard is underway. Leads from across the health system are working on collecting data from specialist community and mental health services.

The difference this makes:

  • Data has highlighted the need to improve inclusive provision within mainstream schools, creating greater capacity for specialist provision in both mainstream and special schools.
  • Data has indicated the greatest identified need was for support for pupils with Speech Language and Communication needs.
  • Health data has identified the importance of support services for those who are neurodiverse.
  • Significant investment is being made to develop a Specialist Teaching Support Service to support schools and settings.
  • A SEND Joint Strategic Needs Assessment that includes data across education, health and social care has been drafted.

What we need to develop:

  • Collation of existing health data has identified gaps in reporting and areas for development.
  • Data related to the All-Age Dynamic Support Register and Care Education Treatment reviews needs to be included in the area’s joint data set, and shared formally through to the Strategic Partnership Board
  • Data Quality Improvement Plans (DQUIP) will be required to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
  • Data needs to be used consistently to inform commissioning.

Next steps:

  • Complete the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment by July 2024 and develop a commissioning strategy based on its outcomes.