The promises vs the reality of the engagement by Haringey Council with parents of children with disabilities - all 'action plans' but no 'actions'
- By Brian Leveson
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- 14 Feb, 2021
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In this blog we look at the promises made about improving communication with parents of children with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND parents) when and by who and compare to the reality of the lack of inclusion of SEND parents in the budget consultation, the borough plan consultation and the consultation about the relocation of the Children's Development Centre (CDC) from St Anns to various locations about the borough. To summarise, as they say in Liverpool, it's a case of “all fur coat and no knickers” meaning the promises are full of 'action plans' but no actual actions! Nothing has happened since Cllr Brabazon left office, in her letter of 24th September 2019, Zena Brabazon promises that "the Council will commit to the principles of timely information sharing, robust and thorough participation, inclusive participation and co-production based on mutual trust and respect" and she followed up this with her 5th February 2020 SEND Travel event
The promises after serious public criticism of the conduct of the SEND department
For further communications on this issue see our blog Empty Promises and meaningless apologies (difficultparent.com) asking
A page promises and meaningless apologies - so why do we still live in such a hostile environment towards families of children with special education needs and disabilities? Because there is no behaviour change..
In the 14th July 2020 Cabinet meeting it was noted that the Family Court Judgment was critical of the social work practice in the DCT team, and it suggested that the practice in the team may not have improved since the 2018 Ofsted inspection. The Cabinet Member remarked that the SEND services was not as poor as it was currently commented to be. The Cabinet Member [said that she] was committed to working with parents and following publication of the AMAZE report would be working with officers to put in place an action plan which would be shared with parents about how the services can move forward. [Link: Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday, 14th July, 2020, 6.30 pm | Haringey Council]
From the Local Offer website, published following the AMAZE report : Haringey Council Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Service wants to develop outstanding services for children with SEND and we believe that to achieve this it is vital that we work collaboratively with parents and carers to develop these services. To do this we need to better engage with the parents/carers of children and young people with SEND. Haringey SEND Service want co-production at the heart of service improvements. [Link: Local Offer News | Haringey Council]
Then, within the report following Councillor Brabazon's February 2020 SEND Travel event: Though we
operate within tight financial constraints, our aim is to develop services that
are exemplars, and which are bespoke and fully consider the needs of the
individual. It is even more important, that because resources are limited, that
we involve parents, carers, and stakeholders in the co-production of services
so they can influence the deployment of the resources on the services that most
matter to them.
Our
improvement journey will be centred on communication, consultation, engagement,
and participation and workings with stakeholders we will aim to create
outstanding services. [Link: send_transport_engagement_report.pdf (haringey.gov.uk)]
From the Ham and High on 8th August 2020 "Haringey commissioned the independent report from Sussex charity Amaze. It says the council is not meeting its statutory duty to “co-produce” services with parents. The council does not currently have a parent-carer forum – and the report suggests even when it did, it was not appropriately funded. Haringey Council welcomed the findings, which it said was commissioned to highlight areas for improvement. The town hall said it recognised the “substantial need for improvement” in communication." [Link: Haringey SEND provision: Parents slam communication during lockdown and report exposes 'adversarial atmosphere' | Hampstead Highgate Express (hamhigh.co.uk)]
From the Ham and High on 8th August 2020 "Haringey commissioned the independent report from Sussex charity Amaze. It says the council is not meeting its statutory duty to “co-produce” services with parents. The council does not currently have a parent-carer forum – and the report suggests even when it did, it was not appropriately funded. Haringey Council welcomed the findings, which it said was commissioned to highlight areas for improvement. The town hall said it recognised the “substantial need for improvement” in communication." [Link: Haringey SEND provision: Parents slam communication during lockdown and report exposes 'adversarial atmosphere' | Hampstead Highgate Express (hamhigh.co.uk)]
..and the reality thus far in 2021? No mention in the last SEND newsletter (December 2020) about the Budget consultation, the Borough Plan consultation nor the plan to relocate the Children's Development Centre
The proposed budget
included proposals for a half a million pound increase in the SEND Transport
budget, being just one example that will directly impact SEND families. Its is worth noting that when we asked why
this consultation was not included in the newsletter to SEND parents we were
accused of seeking special attention [for SEND parents] and Cllr Amin
response to out email was that SEND parents (a difficult to reach group) didn’t
warrant a separate communication via the SEND newsletter. Now, the council does promise that : 'Once the budget is agreed, more detailed delivery plans will be drawn up. Where these plans have an impact on individuals who use those services, they will be subject to appropriate consultation before any final implementation decisions are made. More information will be published on this page as soon as it becomes available' : - will they though? Let's wait and see if SEND parent's are consulted ... [Link: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/local-democracy/policies-and-strategies/your-haringey-your-future]
There is an opportunity to send a newsletter to all SEND parents before the consultation closes on Wednesday 17th March 2021. Surely the department won't take umbrage and refuse to do so? Whittington Health have been working with Haringey Council regarding relocation of the Child Development Centre from St Ann Hospital to Tynemouth Road medical centre and Bounds Green medical centre. As this move will most directly impact in SEND parents we are shocked that this has not been drawn to the attention of SEND parents using the Haringey SEND database used for newsletters. [Link: https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/default.asp?c=42612]
The borough plan consultation was an
opportunity to ensure that the objectives stated in the borough plan are
equitable and inclusive. Our experience
is that as whole family, we have not been able to access the health benefits of
accessing leisure services.
Why were parent carers NOT afforded the benefits described in the consultation People Priority:
This is an issue we have raised with the SEND services since September 2016 when we were asked to review the leisure provision proposals for the local offer at that time – and we have continually raised this issue since. For SEND families as well as those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, like us, those inequalities have been greatly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. Interestingly, the local authority have made it clear that they do not want to hear from our demographic, thus furthering the inequitability of outcomes.
Why were parent carers NOT afforded the benefits described in the consultation People Priority:
- Maintaining and improving the health and wellbeing of life for our residents
- Breaking down inequalities and improve social mobility
- Building strong communities and connecting communities within and across the borough
This is an issue we have raised with the SEND services since September 2016 when we were asked to review the leisure provision proposals for the local offer at that time – and we have continually raised this issue since. For SEND families as well as those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, like us, those inequalities have been greatly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. Interestingly, the local authority have made it clear that they do not want to hear from our demographic, thus furthering the inequitability of outcomes.
There is an opportunity to send a newsletter to all SEND parents before the consultation closes on Wednesday 17th March 2021. Surely the department won't take umbrage and refuse to do so? Whittington Health have been working with Haringey Council regarding relocation of the Child Development Centre from St Ann Hospital to Tynemouth Road medical centre and Bounds Green medical centre. As this move will most directly impact in SEND parents we are shocked that this has not been drawn to the attention of SEND parents using the Haringey SEND database used for newsletters. [Link: https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/default.asp?c=42612]
We have written a blog about the Whittington Health Consultation about the relocation of the Children's Development Centre from St Anns
The reality of those promises made by Haringey Council to engage batter with SEND parents
24th September 2019: Zena Brabazon promises that "the Council will commit to the principles of timely information sharing, robust and thorough participation, inclusive participation and co-production based on mutual trust and respect"
Dear Parents and carers, and all families advocating for children with SEN and disabilities,
RE: Children with Special Needs
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the work you are doing in advocating for families with children who have special needs in Haringey. I understand that families have recently submitted information to the Fairness Commission regarding issues related to SEND which you would like us to address, and rest assured that we will be looking at all the feedback you have shared and working with the service to explore the issues and make any improvements needed.
I am writing now to underline the commitment that all of us within the Local Authority have made, to a model of co-design and participation with our SEND parents, carers, partners, and stakeholders. This commitment starts with the Leader, myself as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families and the Director of Children’s Services, Ann Graham. It signals an important milestone in how we work with families in ensuring, as best we can, that provision meets children’s needs.
I know from my own professional and personal experience, that joint working with families through a co-design approach is essential for children’s outcomes. We are committed to developing a co-design model that works and meets the ambition that we share for the services supporting all our children, young people and families. Developing this approach is now underway, and must be underpinned by trusting relationships between all parties. That is vital, and something we know needs to be built in order to secure the very best outcomes for all.
I know that officers have already begun the first steps in engaging with you as parents and carers, and I am taking a close interest in this which will give you the confidence that will grow as we work together and shape our services for all.
As part of our future programme of work, I can assure you that the Council will commit to the principles of timely information sharing, robust and thorough participation, inclusive participation and co-production based on mutual trust and respect. I understand a document is being drafted which sets this out clearly. Our aim, at all times, will be for respectful and productive dialogue.
We are aware that aspects of our ways of working, engaging and shaping services can be improved. We do need to effect considerable change if we are to move forward positively and co-design is critical to that.
You will appreciate I am new to this role, but it is clear to me that the service is now committed to working in a more open and inclusive manner. I support them unequivocally in this and indeed, think it is vital to delivering for SEND. This is a whole area issue, and Assistant Directors from across the Children and Young People’s Service including Schools and Learning, Commissioning and Social Care teams are working together with the Head of Integrated Service for SEN and Disabilities in achieving this.
While accepting the issues regarding our past communication, it is clear that our new approach can only succeed by working with parents and carers. Joint working, collaboration, participation, your knowledge, insights and challenge are all needed for coproduction to thrive. I urge you to continue to engage with the new approach, work with SEND team, so that we can begin to move forward with a service that seeks to provide the very best outcomes for all our children.
I am very happy to meet you and your groups to discuss this further.
Yours sincerely,
Zena Brabazon
Deputy Leader of Haringey Council
Cabinet Member for Children and Families
RE: Children with Special Needs
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the work you are doing in advocating for families with children who have special needs in Haringey. I understand that families have recently submitted information to the Fairness Commission regarding issues related to SEND which you would like us to address, and rest assured that we will be looking at all the feedback you have shared and working with the service to explore the issues and make any improvements needed.
I am writing now to underline the commitment that all of us within the Local Authority have made, to a model of co-design and participation with our SEND parents, carers, partners, and stakeholders. This commitment starts with the Leader, myself as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families and the Director of Children’s Services, Ann Graham. It signals an important milestone in how we work with families in ensuring, as best we can, that provision meets children’s needs.
I know from my own professional and personal experience, that joint working with families through a co-design approach is essential for children’s outcomes. We are committed to developing a co-design model that works and meets the ambition that we share for the services supporting all our children, young people and families. Developing this approach is now underway, and must be underpinned by trusting relationships between all parties. That is vital, and something we know needs to be built in order to secure the very best outcomes for all.
I know that officers have already begun the first steps in engaging with you as parents and carers, and I am taking a close interest in this which will give you the confidence that will grow as we work together and shape our services for all.
As part of our future programme of work, I can assure you that the Council will commit to the principles of timely information sharing, robust and thorough participation, inclusive participation and co-production based on mutual trust and respect. I understand a document is being drafted which sets this out clearly. Our aim, at all times, will be for respectful and productive dialogue.
We are aware that aspects of our ways of working, engaging and shaping services can be improved. We do need to effect considerable change if we are to move forward positively and co-design is critical to that.
You will appreciate I am new to this role, but it is clear to me that the service is now committed to working in a more open and inclusive manner. I support them unequivocally in this and indeed, think it is vital to delivering for SEND. This is a whole area issue, and Assistant Directors from across the Children and Young People’s Service including Schools and Learning, Commissioning and Social Care teams are working together with the Head of Integrated Service for SEN and Disabilities in achieving this.
While accepting the issues regarding our past communication, it is clear that our new approach can only succeed by working with parents and carers. Joint working, collaboration, participation, your knowledge, insights and challenge are all needed for coproduction to thrive. I urge you to continue to engage with the new approach, work with SEND team, so that we can begin to move forward with a service that seeks to provide the very best outcomes for all our children.
I am very happy to meet you and your groups to discuss this further.
Yours sincerely,
Zena Brabazon
Deputy Leader of Haringey Council
Cabinet Member for Children and Families
If you thought SEND was bad - the NHS is seemingly prepared to throw away money to private companies
About 3 or 4 times a year we get the euphemistic message 'Parents please note we have put a letter in your child's bag' - its a world away from how a child's death was handled in my child's first school
More of a trial by ordeal than a well organised clearly set out administrative process for moving the care of vulnerable young adults from Haringey's Children's Services to Adult Services. We have been failed at every stage of the process.
Never EVER get on the bus without a camera running if you need the priority wheelchair space
The reality of using a London Bus in the teeming rain on a Sunday afternoon is no joke when the parents of a paraplegic person in a wheelchair clash with the self-entitled buggy-pushing parents of toddlers.
At 3pm today I received some barefaced lies from Haringey Council Adult Social Care in response to a photograph I published online yesterday and the media interest it generated
Haringey SEND Transport are insisting that a 17 year old minibus with no air conditioning is a suitable vehicle to transport my paraplegic son in this heatwave. The appalling conditions inside the minibus inside the bus is something they knew about last summer, yet they have to date done nothing whatsoever provide a suitable minibus this year nor appropriately mitigate the temperatures inside the minibus.The conditions inside the minibus are so bad that they triggered multiple seizures during the heatwave as my son has epilepsy, which they SEND transport department know about and they also know that they are triggered by heat.It is not just son who is impacted: last year we know of one child who died on Haringey SEND Transport in the summer heatwave and another who had seizures.
I am simply asking a question - are we all absolutely certain that the road closure / travel restrictions (commonly know as LTNs) placed on some of the most severely disabled people who are wholly reliant on cars are absolutely necessary
Haringey's road closures exemptions policy for disabled people is not fit for purpose, unduly burdensome and intrusive - it's time to stand up against the pro-LTN lycra-clad cycling bullies
Is the argument for and against exemptions for disabled people in Low Traffic Neighbourhoods really a case of GOOD versus EVIL?
