Partners unite to strengthen SEND support in St Helens following inspection findings
Leaders in education, health, social care and the voluntary sector came together to drive improvements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) following a recent Area SEND Inspection for St Helens which identified areas requiring urgent action.
Article date: 15 July 2026
A special roundtable discussion held at St Helens Town Hall brought together representatives from St Helens Borough Council, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the Parent Carer Forum and other key partners - providing an opportunity for an open and constructive discussion on the inspection findings, progress already made and the actions needed to deliver improvements.
Discussions focused on improving how SEND information is collected and shared across education, health and social care services - enabling partners to better understand local need, identify inequalities and measure the impact of support.
The group also examined ways to improve access to mental health services, neurodevelopmental assessments and wider support, ensuring children and young people receive help as early as possible.
Councillor Michael Chesworth, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People - who was among those in attendance - said:
"The recent inspection report was a tough read, and we've taken immediate action to address the issues identified. What was clear from this roundtable discussion is the determination of all partners to work together and deliver the improvements that children, young people and families deserve.
"We remain committed to ensuring that children and young people with SEND can access timely, effective support that meets their individual needs.
"Demand for SEND services has increased significantly in St Helens, as it has in many areas nationally. As we prepare for the next phase of SEND reform, we will continue working with partners to address the challenges facing children and families and improve outcomes across the system.
"Our focus is on reducing waiting times, expanding access to mental health support and improving the quality and effectiveness of Education, Health and Care Plans. Alongside this, we will build on the strengths identified by inspectors, including strong partnership working and the commitment of staff across our services."
Other priorities include improving the quality and timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans, strengthening the graduated approach across services, enhancing short break provision for families and reducing waiting times for assessments and support.
Partners agreed timelines for completing remaining actions for sign-off by the SEND Partnership Board ahead of submitting an improvement plan to Ofsted later this month.
Jenny Hurst, Chief Nurse at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"Mersey Care is committed to ensuring children and young people with mental health and neurodevelopmental needs receive the support they need as early as possible. Working closely with partners across St Helens, we have made important progress in improving access to services, strengthening support pathways and helping more children, young people and families access the right care.
"We remain focused on further improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people across the borough."
St Helens Borough Council remains rated 'Good' overall by Ofsted for Children's Services, with several areas of outstanding practice recognised by inspectors.