The decision to close NHS England marks a major change in how the NHS will meet the needs of disabled children, young people and their families. For over a decade, NHS England has played the central role in shaping how the health service meets the needs of disabled children and their families.
We are proud to have worked with passionate professionals in NHS England to implement changes to the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system and strengthen how the health service collaborates with local authorities and schools to deliver joined-up services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs, including supporting the network of Designated Clinical Officers who help make this real on the ground.
Our work in partnership on the development and rollout of a key working model for autistic children and those with learning disabilities has helped thousands of desperate families across the country when children faced unnecessary admissions to inpatient units.
As the Department of Health develops its 10-Year Health Strategy and the Government considers changes to SEND system it is vital that this structural change does not undermine the Government's ability to focus on what matters- a plan for delivering high-quality services and new models of care for children with SEND and their families that don’t involve waiting years for appointments, diagnosis and treatment.
Delivering this transformation cannot be left to local systems to tackle alone; it needs clear leadership and as part of the transition process the Government must ensure that the Department of Health and Social Care is fully equipped with the right skills, knowledge and resources to provide this.