"While we were waiting" A story of Special Educational Needs in Stoke on Trent

Through the latter part of 2016 and early 2017, Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent devised a project called ‘While We Were Waiting’. This project aimed to better understand the experiences of SEN people and their families whilst waiting for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). They collected data in a number of ways, including interviews and focus groups, speaking to 46 people.

This report finds that there is a focus upon diagnosis in SEN. However, this may also be perceived as meeting thresholds for support. Staff describe how this can mean a loss of focus upon the actual needs of the child. Indeed, parents describe little support whilst waiting for a diagnosis, much to the frustration of some education staff spoken to. 

Participants describe how agencies could work together better. Education staff describe how there is potential for greater information sharing between agencies. Without this sharing, opportunities are lost, such as the ability to coordinate interventions. Parents may also become disillusioned when things aren’t joined up. 

Relationships between schools and parents also feature in this report. Questions are asked about changes to the school nurse service and how this might impact. Both parents and staff describe a need for consistent relationships and a familiar face.

The report makes recommendations that may address many of the themes raised by participants. It is hoped that this paper encourages the open conversations needed between providers, staff and service users.