A special needs education service has been given a positive report from Ofsted – although some concerns have been raised.

Redbridge’s Special Educational Needs and Disability was inspected in June this year.

Inspectors noted that the borough’s identification of children’s early years needs is strong and well-established and that the SEND offer in the borough’s schools is of a high quality and is having a positive impact on pupils.

Ofsted representatives also found that safeguarding methods to protect young people’s safety were well managed and the focus given to issues that affect young people was strong.

But the report also raised some worries about the level of involvement parents and pupils have in decision making and the support pupils receive from the service.

The report said: “A large majority of the parents and carers who spoke to inspectors, attended the online meeting or commented by email expressed dissatisfaction with the support that their children receive.

“Concerns included delays and inaccuracies in reports, variation in the way that therapy services are provided and poor communication between practitioners and families.”

It added: “The services to support young people and their families through the transition from adolescence to adulthood are fragmented. While this is recognised by leaders as an area requiring development, improvements have been slow.

“Co-production (a way of working where children and young people, families and those that provide the services work together to create a decision or a service which works for them all) is not well developed. As a result, children, young people and their families have too little influence over the services provided.”

Redbridge Council said: “The council is not required to submit a written statement of action following the inspection but will be producing an action plan with its partners to address the areas for development identified by Ofsted, for example addressing the variability in the quality of its documentation and improving the support for young people preparing for adulthood.”

Cllr Elaine Norman, cabinet member for children and young people said: “We are very pleased with this report. We recognise that, no matter how good we are, there are always areas for improvement.

“Work has already begun to ensure that we make the necessary adjustments to provide a high-quality service that our young people and their families need now and in the future.”