Improvements in several areas of Birmingham’s services for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities have been recognised by national inspectors in a report published today.
Following a three-week inspection in June 2025 to evaluate how effectively the Birmingham Local Area Partnership supports children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the partnership has been given the middle rating of three possible outcomes by inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
This outcome marks significant progress in Birmingham since the last full SEND inspection in 2021 identified widespread and systemic failings across the local area partnership.
Since then, thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of teams across education, health, care, and the voluntary sector, as well as the vital voices of children and their families, Birmingham is making progress resulting in better experiences for some children.
While there is still more to do, the inspection recognises that the foundations for sustainable improvement are now in place and beginning to make a difference.
Councillor Mick Brown, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “When I became Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, improving SEND services was a key priority and today's inspection report shows that we are moving in the right direction.
“The progress made since the last inspection four years ago is the result of a huge amount of hard work and I want to thank all the children, young people, families, and professionals who have played a part. I also want to recognise the work of my predecessor as Cabinet Member Cllr Karen McCarthy.
“The report recognises the improvements we've made in leadership, partnership working, and early support, and that’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. But there is more to do, and I promise you there will be no complacency. We are absolutely committed to building on this momentum, creating lasting, positive changes that empower all our children to thrive and reach their full potential."
Pam Armstrong, Chair and Director of Birmingham Parent Carer Forum, said “During the inspection, I saw strong multi-agency working with the child at the centre. Being together for three weeks strengthened relationships and future collaboration.
"The PCF plays a vital role in sharing the voices of parent carers, children, and young people, which professionals have listened to and acted upon.
"We've seen real changes as a result. Please keep working with us to make a difference and thank you to everyone who completed the surveys.”
Helen Kelly, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull, said: "It’s clear that the hard work, dedication and commitment of all partners involved in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is resulting in some key improvements in the experiences of these individuals.
"Central to this progress is our shared commitment to truly listen to the voices of children, young people and their families, and respond to their feedback to ensure our services work better for them.
"This is a step in the right direction, but we know there is still work to do, and we are dedicated to ensuring we build on these successes and continue to develop our approach in line with the aspirations and needs of our children, young people and families."
To learn more, visit the Local Offer Birmingham website.