Abstract
Background: Rochdale is an area of Greater Manchester, UK, with a population of around 220,000 people, the area is culturally diverse with 21% of the population coming from ethnically minoritized groups1, the area faces significant challenges due to multiple disadvantages. This includes almost a third of the population living in areas amongst the 10% most deprived in the UK. The impact of this disadvantage can clearly be seen within outcomes for younger people. Overall attainment at age 5 and at the end of primary school is lower in Rochdale than the national average2.. In the years since 2020 the area has seen a 120% increase in demand for educational and health plans, a 95% increase in demand for Children’s Mental Health services.
To combat these challenges and support children with special educational needs (SEND) to reach their potential and live fulfilled and happy lives there has been a collective and collaborative response from a wide range of stakeholders including Local Authority, local Integrated Care organisation, the local community, voluntary sector, and wider stakeholders. This collaboration has resulted in a 3-year journey of Integration in SEND and the formation of Rochdale’s SEND Alliance, which has achieved recognition winning two national awards (CYP Now (2022) and Municipal Journal (2023).
Methodology: Services for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) stem across organisational boundaries and therefor an integrated solution was required3. The methodology embraced the use of co-production and the project commenced with the setting of strategic direction through stakeholder events for education, health, social care, voluntary, community sector and additional parent carer and children and young people events.
An outcome-based commissioning model was used to support the re-design of the SEND system which places voice, early intervention and prevention at its heart.
The approach was enhanced by a partnership with the Council for Disabled Children who conducted 80 interviews with parents and children and 60 interviews with stakeholders. And supported the development of the outcomes framework and corresponding data framework by providing specialist consultancy and policy support.
Results:
A clear child centred strategic direction based on strategic outcomes (I statements)
A SEND Mandate which created joint ownership for identifying solutions in supporting children with SEND.
The establishment of the SEND Alliance Model, establishing several significant changes to provision including: The development of peer led services, re-allocation of resource into early intervention, and prevention
A Commitment to overcoming the structural barriers to commissioning ‘what is right’ is beginning to result in improved outcomes and better lived experience for children and families with SEND. Examples of impact include:
Of children responding to the SEND questionnaire - 97% CYP feel people listen to them. Children in Rochdale are 28% less likely to attend A and E for self-harm than the national average and there has been a reduction of 14 children being admitted to Tier 4 CAMHS in the last 2 years. 56 out of 83 SEND Internships so far have gone into employment (68%) and 93% have transitioned into employment or college.