The Partnerships ambition in Hounslow is to develop a more inclusive SEND system so that children and young people with additional needs will remain in the local area.
Children’s Therapies services play a key role in enabling this inclusion. The partnership recognises that the provision of timely and accessible Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy support are key areas in child development and in enabling Children and Young People to receive the best educational outcomes.
Children’s Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy services have been a key area of focus in the Local Authority’s recent SEND inspections. Whilst significant improvements have been made, the partnership understand where improvements still need to be made to improve outcomes for Children and Young People.
- To ensure the provision of Speech and Language and Occupational therapy is made available to all children and young people across Hounslow, both in Early Years and school age settings.
- To implement the graduated model of service delivery, which places a significant emphasis on early identification of need and ensuring children and young people, parents, carers and the professional network have the knowledge and skills to identify need, and to support children to achieve the best education and health outcomes.
- To evidence that therapy services represent value for money, perform well and that feedback from children, young people and their families is positive.
- Improved waiting times for Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy assessments, in line with statutory assessment timescales.
- Satisfaction surveys evidence that children and young people, their parents or carers receive the support they need at the right time.
- A borough wide implementation of the tiered model, with clear pathways to access support.