Agenda item

For information: Will Blandamer, Executive Director for Health and Adult Care, will respond to questions regarding the recognition of collaborative work between the local authority and the NHS as a partnership.

The Committee received a verbal update regarding the recent regulatory scrutiny of services for children and young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A note from Will Blandamer was referenced, which will be read into the record.

It was acknowledged that services for children delivered by the Council had previously been judged inadequate by Ofsted. Furthermore, the joint inspection of SEND services by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified widespread and systemic failures across both the Council and NHS Greater Manchester (GM), acting as the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The Children’s Scrutiny Committee continues to be the primary forum for monitoring the improvement plan for children’s services. However, it was noted that the Health Scrutiny Committee retains the authority to scrutinise NHS services, which is particularly relevant given the joint nature of the SEND inspection.

The improvement plan for Council Children’s Services recognises the essential role of partnership working, involving Health partners, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and other agencies. In relation to SEND, the inspection and subsequent improvement efforts are a shared responsibility between the Council and NHS GM.

Councillor Boles raised concerns regarding the level of assurance that NHS partners would provide in supporting the improvement plan. In response, Will Blandamer confirmed that he would continue to work closely with NHS colleagues to ensure robust support for looked-after children and broader SEND services.

The Committee heard updates on the involvement of community paediatrics and the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) in supporting improvements, particularly around Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the NHS’s role within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

Councillor Fitz queried the development of the Children’s Neurodevelopment Hub and its potential impact on children in Bury. Will Blandamer responded that while Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) face significant challenges in meeting demand—especially for children with autism and ADHD—there is a growing emphasis on providing support during waiting periods. He highlighted the pilot work underway in Bury to establish Neurodiversity Hubs, which aim to offer a focal point for support and interventions based on a social model of care.

Ten localities have commissioned a provider to define the service model for Bury’s Neurodiversity Hub. The Parent Carer Forum, including the well-established FIRST POINT group, has been actively engaged, alongside the Change Makers group, to shape the service in collaboration with the neighbourhood team.

Councillor Fitzgerald asked whether all relevant roles within the service had been filled. It was confirmed that additional funding from the ICB has been allocated to CAMHS in Bury, including support for SENCOs. However, it was acknowledged that current demand continues to outpace capacity, and further development of CAMHS services is required.

The Council, through its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), has established a specialist SEND Health Visitor team, which is now fully staffed. This initiative is subject to recognition through an NHS Health Service Award.

Given the increasing demand for services, the Committee discussed the appropriate timing for receiving a formal report on the Neurodiversity Hubs. It was agreed that a future agenda item should be scheduled for either the Children’s Scrutiny Committee or the Health Scrutiny Committee, depending on the scope of the report.

Councillor Tariq commended the work of the Educational Psychology Team, led by Wendy, noting its transformative impact on SENCOs and the wider system. The Committee recognised this as a significant success and expressed hope for its continued development.