The London Borough of Hounslow has been found to provide inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In a report published on Wednesday (December 18) Ofsted urged the local authority to improve its SEND provision before the next full inspection in three years.

Hounslow Council and North West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) are responsible for the planning and commissioning of services for children and young people with SEND in Hounslow. The watchdog found that there are delays in neurodisability and learning disability assessments which then impacts access to support and care.

They also reported 'inconsistent quality' and 'outdated' Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) which hinder outcomes, urging the council to improve timeliness when reviewing plans. An ECHP is a legal document that outlines the needs and support required by a child or young person. It explains to schools and local authorities what support they must provide.

The report also called out the council for its 'limited' understanding of the effectiveness of their work. The report said: "The local area partnership's understanding of how well its work, including the local offer, is meeting the needs, interests and aspirations of children and young people is too limited. Leaders have not considered with enough precision what they want to get out of their work with young people and how best to make it happen."

The watchdog also found that staff need a 'better understanding' of SEND, particularly in a local context. In order to improve staff must also know a range of advice, guidance, and pathways to offer locally.

The report recommends that Hounslow Council develops a 'cohesive strategy' to amplify young people's voices in planning, improve oversight, and improve service delivery across all areas. It also stresses the need to accelerate the assessments for neurodisabilities and learning disabilities.

Despite the report highlighting a number of shortfalls, it does state that initiatives such as the Mainstream Inclusion Partnership, employment hubs for young people with complex needs, and support for vulnerable groups are key strengths for the council.

Hounslow Council declined to comment on the report.