News and reports

A child or young person (0-25) is said to have SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which requires special educational provision to be made for them in order to support them to progress. Local service provision is governed by Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015, although other legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010, is also relevant. The introduction of the Children and Families Act and SEND Code of Practice placed greater emphasis on the inclusion of children, young people, parents and carers in planning and decision-making, as well as on supporting aspirations and improving outcomes. This should be facilitated by strengthening joint planning and commissioning of services and the publication of a Local Offer, listing information about local SEND support.

Healthwatch England says “Eye care is the busiest outpatient speciality in the NHS in England, and with an ageing population, demand is set to grow further. According to NHS statistics, of the nearly 59,000 people currently waiting for specialist eye care as of December 2024, only two thirds (66.8%) have been waiting less than the 18-week target set by Government, compared to a target of 92%.”