OLDHAM Council has been told significant improvements have been made in the delivery of support to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The Oldham Partnership – which the authority and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board oversees – was ordered to get better at an inspection in 2023.
Now after Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has decided ‘effective action’ has been taken to address failings after a monitoring inspection in November 2025.
A joint report found leaders from both bodies now work more closely and the partnership has ‘strengthened its collective strategic direction and momentum, bringing partners together with a clearer shared purpose.’
“The strengthened partnership across the local authority, the ICB and wider stakeholders now places Oldham in a stronger position to continue improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND,” the letter states.
Inspectors also found joint commissioning arrangements have improved across health, education and social care.
However, that does not mean all OK at the Oldham Partnership.
They said further work is required within social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing services to ensure that gaps in provision, such as for children aged three to five-years-old are addressed.
The letter adds: “Actions are needed to ensure timely access both to CAMHS and to lower-level emotional support.
“This is essential to secure early identification of need and to ensure that the support offered while children are waiting is appropriate. More could be done to prevent children and young people from reaching crisis point.
“Effective action does not mean that the area for priority action is no longer a concern or that the local area can stop taking action to address it.”
The letter detailing the progress was welcomed by the Oldham Partnership, with Cllr Mohon Ali, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, saying: “This is an encouraging and well-deserved recognition of the hard work taking place across Oldham to improve SEND services for our children, young people and their families.
“This letter shows we have listened to families, listened to feedback and taken action.
“It reflects the dedication of our staff, schools, health colleagues and wider partners, who are working together to build a system that is more responsive, inclusive and supportive.
“Most importantly, it reflects our ongoing commitment to listening to families, learning from their experiences, and making real improvements that positively impact everyday lives.”
Mike Barker, place director at Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, added:
“I am delighted with the progress we have made in Oldham and that this has been recognised by the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted.
“We are determined to ensure all children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, can flourish.
“The hard work of our teams and partners is paying off, leading to better outcomes for children and families.
“I want to thank colleagues at the Northern Care Alliance and Pennine Care Foundation Trust for their continued commitment and adaptability.
“We are not complacent and know there is more to do. We will build on this progress to deliver consistently good, inclusive services for even more children and families.”
Andrew Robinson – chief executive of POINT, which supports families of children and young people with SEND in Oldham – commented: “Oldham’s SEND partnership has worked incredibly hard over the past two years to improve SEND services in Oldham with, and for, children, young people and their families.
“This Ofsted/CQC inspection report highlights the positive work that we have started in Oldham, but our partnership is ambitious and knows there is more to do.
“POINT will continue to champion the voice of Oldham families to ensure their lived experience is at the heart of decision making as we continue to implement our ambitious plans for SEND in Oldham, ensuring every child or young person with SEND can achieve the best possible outcomes.”