Tameside Council and NHS Greater Manchester respond to SEND inspection report with commitment to improvement
Tameside Council and NHS Greater Manchester acknowledge the findings and have responded to the recent Area SEND inspection (May 2025) with a firm commitment to making improvements for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The Council and NHS are united in their commitment to act swiftly and decisively, and an action plan is being developed to speed up improvements. This will build on the changes already underway and focus on key areas to provide children and young people with SEND, and their families, the support that they need to thrive.
This will include:
- strengthening leadership, governance, and oversight across the partnership,
- improving the timeliness and quality of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP),
- shorter waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments,
- supporting young people as they prepare for adult life, including making sure they have the help they need when moving from children’s services to adult services,
- ensuring better commissioning and coordination of services.
The report shows that local leaders are committed to making improvements and supporting children and young people to have a better future. It highlights recent investments in education, health, and social care including progress in addressing the shortage of suitable school places for children and young people with SEND. Plans are already underway to create several specially resourced schools across the borough, helping more children with SEND to be educated within their local communities.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Councillor Leanne Feeley said:
“We fully accept the findings of the inspection and are determined to deliver the changes our children, young people and families need and deserve. While we are encouraged by the recognition of recent progress and the confidence shown in our new leadership, we know there is a long road ahead. We are committed to working openly and collaboratively with our partners, schools, and families to rebuild trust and deliver lasting improvements.
“As a partnership, we recognise the importance of listening to the voices of children, young people and their families, and will continue to work closely with the Tameside Umbrella Parent Carer Forum, OKE, and other stakeholders to ensure that lived experiences shape the way forward.”
Mark Fisher, chief executive, NHS Greater Manchester said:
“We want every child and young person especially those with additional needs to feel seen, supported, and safe. This report shows where we must do better and improve. We take that responsibility seriously. Families have told us what needs to change and we’re listening. Working closely with the council and local partners, we are focused on improving services and making sure support is there when it’s needed most.”
