Children face 'unacceptable waits' for SEND referral

Children are facing "unacceptably long" waits for neurodiversity services after the number of referrals increased threefold in five years in Sheffield, according to a new report.

Meredith Dixon-Teasdale, Sheffield City Council's strategic director of children's services, said an overhaul of the existing system was needed to enable services to cope with the rising demand.

According to the report neurodevelopment referrals have grown from approximately 1,500 in 2019-20 to 4,600 in the past 12 months.

The issue is due to be discussed by members of the council's education, children and families policy committee on 10 June.

Ms Dixon-Teasdale said: "There is a shared view our children, young people and families are waiting for an unacceptably long time and service models that no longer meet need.

"There is a shared view we need to work together to develop a radically different model of care and support across the city."

She said improvement work had been taking place for three years with fortnightly city-wide meetings of directors from key organisations taking place since last summer.

Learn Sheffield is also leading the development of a SEND Manifesto for the city, she said.

Ms Dixon-Teasdale said the education committee will get an update of the work taking place in September.

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