SEND Joint Commissioning in Wirral: A Vision for 2023-2024
In a significant step towards improving the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the Wirral region is embarking on a journey of joint commissioning. The SEND Joint Commissioning plan for 2023-2024 promises a brighter future for children and families with SEND, emphasizing collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive practices.
A Transformative Context
The Children and Families Act of 2014 heralded a new era in SEND provisions, calling for cooperation among education, health, and care agencies to enhance outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Supported by the SEND Code of Practice (2014), local authorities, health bodies, schools, and colleges were assigned specific roles in meeting the unique needs of individuals with SEND.
In response, Wirral has committed to developing a sustainable joint commissioning model that thrives on strong partnerships. This endeavour involves a myriad of stakeholders, including the NHS, providers, and commissioners from the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Public Health, and the Local Authority. SEND service providers, schools, education institutions, parents, carers, and, most importantly, children and young people are also essential partners.
Wirral's pursuit of effective joint commissioning comes against the backdrop of an improvement journey. In 2021, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted a joint inspection that evaluated Wirral's implementation of SEND reforms. Weaknesses were identified, particularly in joint commissioning. In response, work-streams were initiated in 2022/23, focusing on data analysis and joint commissioning to generate valuable insights and build a robust foundation for future progress.
The Diverse Borough of Wirral
Wirral, a place of contrasts, is a peninsula bounded by rivers and the Irish Sea. With a current population of 322,796, including approximately 89,092 children, Wirral is one of England's largest metropolitan boroughs. This population is projected to reach 334,500 by 2040.
As of July 2022, 3.8% of Wirral's population comprises children and young people with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP). Of all SEND-identified pupils in Wirral, 19.3% have EHCPs, while 80.7% receive SEN Support.
The predominant primary needs among pupils with SEND in Wirral are Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (27.7%), followed by Speech, Language, and Communication needs (20.7%). Mainstream primary schools accommodate 47.5% of SEND pupils, with 34.1% in mainstream secondary schools, 12.1% in special schools, and 6.3% in mainstream nurseries.
Wirral's Approach to Joint Commissioning
3.1 Defining Joint Commissioning
Joint commissioning, as defined in the SEND Code of Practice, enables partners to optimise resources efficiently, effectively, equitably, and sustainably to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Key Components of an Effective Approach to Joint Commissioning:
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
Joint Outcomes Framework
Joint data set
Evidence base, guidance, best practice, and research
Opportunities for integration and pooled budgets
Priorities for Progress (2022-2023)
In 2022-2023, Wirral made significant strides in establishing the foundation for enhanced joint commissioning. Notable priorities included:
Appointment of Joint Commissioning Lead: Ensuring strong governance for joint SEND commissioning.
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA): Identifying health and well-being needs through data analysis.
Joint Commissioning Forum: Fostering effective joint commissioning by bringing key stakeholders together.
Establishing Best Practice: Conducting a diagnostic of joint commissioning effectiveness.
Engaging Stakeholders: Gathering input from children, young people, parents, and carers.
Performance and Accountability Model: Developing a model for tracking SEND services' performance.
Identifying Priorities: Recognizing key areas for improvement through the JSNA.
Strengthening Collaboration (2023-2024)
The next year promises to be a period of robust partnership and joint efforts. The focus includes:
Refreshing JSNA data
Predictive modelling for future planning
An evidence-based approach
Continued consultation with stakeholders
Developing an outcomes framework
Governance
An illustration of the governance structure for monitoring the Written Statement of Action (WSoA) within the Partnership.
Conclusion
Wirral's journey towards enhancing joint commissioning for SEND has been marked by significant accomplishments and a commitment to continuous improvement. The coming year will see refreshed data, expanded consultation, and collaborative efforts to create a visionary and outcomes-driven joint commissioning strategy.
The Wirral region is paving the way for a brighter future for children and young people with SEND, emphasizing inclusivity, partnership, and evidence-based decision-making