Tory controlled East Sussex County Council is failing children with special needs

East Sussex County Council is failing children with special needs by not ensuring that all Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) are reviewed within the prescribed timescale. Cllr John Ungar, Liberal Democrat spokesperson explains:

“I raised concerns about EHCP plans and discovered that 45.7% of plans were completed after the due date, that is more than a year after the previous review or after the EHC was first issued. In addition, 9.9% of reviews had not been completed within the 2022/23 academic year.

Whilst I understand the pressure on officers, this could have a devastating effect on these vulnerable children and also is an additional stress for their parents and for school staff who need guidance to enable them to provide the most appropriate care and support.

The Conservative administration needs to tackle this issue as a matter of urgency. Children’s Services across the country are now grossly under-funded and the government shows little interest in investing in our young people who are our future.”