Inspectors visited Waltham Forest to check on progress in the provision of care for special needs and/or disabled (SEND) children and young people.

In the area’s last inspection in 2017, Ofsted inspectors, who monitor educational provision across the country, found “serious weaknesses” in the borough’s provision for SEND pupils.

Last time, inspectors highlighted areas of concern, including the thought that Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which decides which services are offered where in the borough, including SEND services, was not in a position to ensure improvement going forward.

A revisit between March 25 and 26 investigated whether sufficient progress had been made addressing the issues detailed in 2017.

Inspectors found improvements, including a good collective effort to improve the approach to the services on offer.

The council was found to have worked with partners in the Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) to make the required improvements.

Inspectors said: “Local area leaders have worked in a joined-up and effective way to tackle the three areas of significant weakness identified at the initial inspection.

“They are ambitious for children and young people with SEND, and there has been a strong, collective drive to improve the education, health and care outcomes this group of children and young people achieve.

“The report further found that the Waltham Forest parent and carer forum has made an influential contribution to the local area’s leadership and governance.

“By working with the families of young people with SEND, the council can understand more clearly what is working well and what could be better in the borough.”

Cllr Grace Williams, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “We have worked hard with our partners to improve our services and make a real difference in improving the life chances of our residents.

“The dedication and effort of the staff who work with vulnerable children, some of whom live with complex and challenging needs, is an inspiration.

“It’s a shining example of what can be achieved by a close partnership between local services, working together for the benefit of residents and connecting communities across Waltham Forest.

“We will continue to listen to what parent carers tell us and learn how we can continue to improve the service we deliver.

“We are determined to achieve the best outcome for all of our children and young people and give them the skills and support they need to succeed.”

During the revisit, inspectors spoke with children and young people who used SEND services, and their parents and carers, along with local authority and National Health Service (NHS) officers.

They also met with leaders and practitioners from the local area for education, health, and social care.

The Department for Education and NHS England will now make a decision about whether to continue with formal monitoring visits after the inspector’s report recommended they could cease.