LESS than 18 months after celebrating receiving an outstanding rating for its children's services, Thurrock Council is the subject of a new critical report about its care for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Part of the report in October 2024 praised the authority after reporting on the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection.

However, in a new joint report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted, the council - and its care partner the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board - are found to be failing children and families.

The report, published after an inspection in December, says the local area partnership's arrangements lead to inconsistent experiences and outcomes for SEND children and young people.

The two watchdog services say Thurrock Council and the ICB must work jointly to make improvements.

Celebrations in 2024 but spotlight is back on Thurrock Council children's services

The new report, which can be read in full via this link, does highlight some good work locally, and picks out the council's youth cabinet as an effective voice for children and young people with SEND.

And across parts of the borough some SEND children enjoy positive opportunities in their local communities. Where this happens, they develop their social skills and make friends. 

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In other areas care is also praised, including early identification of some problems, children and parents enjoying extensive support through early help family hubs and there is positive work in primary school settings.

However, almost every category also comes with a 'but' or 'however' critique.

For example there is a lack of capacity to fulfil antenatal assessments as part of the healthy child programme. Too many looked-after children do not receive initial health assessments within statutory time frames. 

And at secondary and post-16 level, some children and young people with SEND are not in receipt of an education, health and care (EHC) plan and do not achieve as well as they should. 

The report adds that children and young people with SEND often do not get the guidance they require for their health as they progress towards adulthood. 

Jen Craft at West Thurrock Primary Acadamy in November.

In November borough MP Jen Craft, who had written her own somewhat critical report on SEND performance in Thurrock schools, visited West Thurrock Primary Academy with education minister Georgina Gould to highlight concerns.

The CQC and Ofsted have laid out an improvement plan for the borough and they will return to inspect progress in three years.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety, says some of the failings in Thurrock are a result of a lack of government funding and resources.

She told Thurrock Nub News: "It is a huge priority for the council and the wider partnership to support children with special educational needs to thrive and succeed. 

"We know people move to the area to access some of the phenomenal services we have here, and I have spoken to many families who really value the support they get. 

"However, the SEND system nationally is challenging, and there are far more families needing support than we have the resources to help in a consistent or timely way.

"Last year we were pleased that with Thurrock's MP Jen Craft we welcomed Georgia Gould MP, Minister of State for School Standards, to Thurrock where she had an opportunity to hear from local parents about what they want to see in the Government's reforms of SEND provision, which is needed.

"The government's 'Every child achieving and thriving' white paper sets out a new approach and funding formula that will prioritise early intervention in education and make sure that all schools have the skills to ensure that SEND pupils can thrive, irrespective of pupils having an education, health and care plan. 

"The inspection report highlighted strengths in these areas saying we provide children in early years settings getting prompt help, and that a strong and collaborative approach means schools' special education needs coordinators receive helpful training and support.

"We will be going through this report carefully and making sure that we build on the positives, and make the improvements highlighted but we need government reforms to ensure these essential services are properly funded and work for children and young people with SEND, and their families."

The Integrated Care Board declined to comment.