Casework support is regarded by schools as reliable, robust and focused on school improvement . Both the In School Support Service and SEN services are subject this year to a fundamental Best Value review . The current arrangements are no substitute for a comprehensive and urgent review of provision, involving all schools and key stakeholders and leading to a properly articulated plan of implementation . The LEA takes reasonable steps to meets its statutory obligations. The completion rate of statements within the 18 week timescale has improved.
Annual reviews are timely and are monitored by officers.
Parental appeals to the SEN tribunals are rare . Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators are well supported through the local partnership networks, facilitated by SEN advisers. The LEA is working on an innovative accreditation scheme for effective SEN practice with a number of schools . Value for Money SEN funding represents a broadly similar proportion of the LEA s schools budget to that in other outer London boroughs. The steps taken by the LEA to manage the situation are taking effect and are appropriate .