2023/2024 - You said, we're listening

You said – Providing feedback on SEND services is difficult and time consuming. Families have told us they would be more likely to provide feedback if our surveys were in a simple format. 

We’re listening - We have co-produced with SENDAC, an annual survey with less than 20 questions. It uses easy to understand language, without jargon. 

 

You said - Families would benefit from 1 place to go for information on autism and not have to search lots of websites. 

We’re listening - We launched the Autism Information and Support Hub on the SEND Local Offer. 

The Hub includes:

  • information about the diagnostic pathway
  • the graduated approach to autism
  • how to get support

The autism information and support hub has been developed in co-production with parent carers and young people with autism.   If there is anything you think could be improved, please complete our survey.  

 

You said – We want clear accessible information on health services for children. 

We’re listening – Specialist health services information have been developed. There are details of:

  • what each specialist health team do
  • information sheets and videos
  • details on how to make referrals to the service

 

You said – The SEND transport system is not fit for purpose. 

We’re listening – We carried out a public consultation on proposed changes to the Home to School Transport Policy. We worked with SENDAC prior to the consultation. SENDAC provided information to parents and carers and co-ordinated a series of information and consultation meetings. The consultation concluded in December 2024. The feedback received will be used to improve the transport policy. 

 

You said - We don't like our children being described as having a disorder or condition.  For example: Autism Spectrum Condition. 

We’re listening - A consultation was launched in 2023 asking residents of Cumbria what language they would prefer when it came to autism. 

The consultation results stated that most autistic individuals and families preferred identity first language, that is:

  • an autistic person
  • I am autistic

This was instead of other terms used such as:

  • the person has autism
  • the person has Autistic Spectrum Disorder

We are now working on rolling out this terminology across multiple organisations in the county.  This will ensure families are met with more consistency when speaking about autism. We appreciate parent and carer’s patience while this work is taking place.  

 

You said - The transition to adulthood process can often be confusing and distressing for families. There is not a lot of support for children and young people suffering with mental health issues.  There is lack of clarity surrounding options for education and employment. 

We’re listening - We completed an experiences and outcomes survey on transition to adulthood in the Summer of 2023.  From this survey it was clear many families felt the process was confusing and distressing.  This was especially for those who did not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  There was lack of support overall.  Specific feedback was also provided, including a lack of information surrounding Care Act Assessments. 

Following the responses, a report was presented at the SEND Partnership Board. In this report, the SEND Partnership outlined plans to action key outcomes:

  • work in partnership with the commissioned career support service, Inspira, to ensure maximum outreach
  • raise awareness and how to request a Care Act Assessment
  • we hope to complete a session with the SEND Information, Advice and Support (SENDIAS) Service surrounding Care Act Assessments in early 2024
  • we have recently produced a comprehensive guide to transitions for young people with SEND 

 

 You said - The SEND Local Offer is difficult to navigate and clunky.  

We're listening - We are currently working with the council, NHS colleagues and SENDAC  to make improvements. SENDAC have recently completed their annual survey, which contains questions about the SEND Local Offer.  We may ask for further feedback and ideas in the future.   

Current improvements have included adding a Professional’s Hub so professionals can be:

  • reminded of deadlines
  • find useful resources in 1 place
  • share relevant information with families

We have also added a getting involved section, which features information on:

  • how to provide feedback
  • share your ideas for improvements
  • get involved with wider community events

We will keep parents and carers up to date on developments via our Facebook and SEND Alternative Provision Partnership newsletter.

 

You said - There is often a delay between being told your child has a diagnosis of autism and the report being received. This is frustrating. 

We're listening - We are working to address the time it takes to get reports produced and sent out to families. In the meantime, a 1-page statement of diagnosis has been put in place which will go out to parents via email or letter as soon as the diagnosis is made.