TAMESIDE Council has been hit with a further improvement notice after another scathing report into its provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
A joint probe by the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted found ‘widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people.’
The authority was told it had to address issues ‘urgently.’ Now it has been told Government-appointed commissioner Andy Couldrick will remain in place until further notice.
A specialist SEND advisor will also be brought in after Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phiipson laid down what it has to do after she was ‘satisfied that the council is failing to perform to an adequate standard.’
An edict from her department, dated Friday, August 22, instructs Tameside Council to give Mr Couldrick unrestricted access to its property, documents and staff or council member.
It has also been told it has three months to enter into a strategic partnership agreement, which will work with it to improve delivery of all children’s social care functions it is responsible for.
It was also told: “This direction will remain in force until it is revoked by the Secretary of State.”
In a report after an inspection done from May 12 to May 16, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission said: “There are widespread and/or systemic failings leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.
“Many children and young people with SEND wait too long for their needs to be identified and met.”
Inspectors also noted an ‘overwhelming culture of distrust and frustration’ and: “Too many children and young people with SEND, and their families, do not receive the support that they need to thrive.”
In June, Mr Couldrick said he believes a year to make significant improvement has been ‘lost’ because of ‘profound weaknesses.’
He also described an ‘apparent acceptance that inadequate service is acceptable’ as ‘the Tameside way.’
Also, the legacy of a ‘bullying’ and ‘toxic’ culture in the department he previously described still exists.
Since March 2024, when he was brought in, Mr Couldrick admitted he has faced ‘an extended period of churn and instability, as a council and within its Children’s Services.’
That includes a new leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills, interim chief executive, Harry Catherall MBE, and executive cabinet, along with the director of children’s services.
Jill Colbert OBE has been brought into the latter position and at the time of the SEND inspection, Tameside Council’s executive member for lifelong learning and culture, Councillor Leanne Feeley said: “We fully accept the findings of the inspection and are determined to deliver the changes our children, young people and families need and deserve.
“While we are encouraged by the recognition of recent progress and the confidence shown in our new leadership, we know there is a long road ahead.
“We are committed to working openly and collaboratively with our partners, schools, and families to rebuild trust and deliver lasting improvements.
“As a partnership, we recognise the importance of listening to the voices of children, young people and their families, and will continue to work closely with the Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum, OKE, and other stakeholders to ensure that lived experiences shape the way forward.”
Mark Fisher, chief executive of NHS Greater Manchester, added: “We want every child and young person especially those with additional needs to feel seen, supported, and safe.
“This report shows where we must do better and improve. We take that responsibility seriously.
“Families have told us what needs to change and we’re listening. Working closely with the council and local partners, we are focused on improving services and making sure support is there when it’s needed most.”