HPCI Member update 12 December

This week’s HPCI newsletter is focused on the results of the recent Ofsted/CQC monitoring inspection and what this means for improvement work going forward.  We will be covering:

• 📘The Monitoring inspection findings
• 🗣️Have Your Say: SEND Strategy 2026–2029 Consultation
• 🧩 The new Learning Disability Big Plan (Strategy) for Hertfordshire
• 📂 Purple folders and preparing for a healthy adulthood
• 🏥 Martha’s rule
• 📊 Look out for the headlines from the recent HPCI annual survey

📘The Monitoring inspection findings

Was this a full inspection?
No.  Following a full inspection in 2023, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) came back for a monitoring visit in October 2025. This year they were only looking at progress on the two priority areas which were identified in the 2023 inspection. These areas were:

• Improving the strategic and operational use of data
• Strengthening governance and quality assurance.

What did inspectors find?

• Data quality has improved.
• Governance arrangements are stronger, with rigorous quality assurance and significant investment in the SEND system.
• Collaboration across health, education, and social care is improving.
• These findings led the inspectors to conclude that the partnership (Hertfordshire County Council and its health partners) has taken effective action since July 2023.

What still needs work?

• Improving the experience for families and schools.
• Addressing geographical inequalities in services.
• Reducing long waits for some services.

What does HPCI think of the findings:

• We would agree that progress has been made, but that families aren’t always feeling the benefit yet.
• We agree with the areas identified as in need of further work.
• We were pleased to be recognised for the input we have into decision-making and believe that families must be central to the next phase of improvement.
• We will continue our involvement in the improvement projects, working to bring about positive change where we can.

Where can I read more?
The full monitoring inspection letter and the 2023 report are available on the Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer website.

What next?
There is due to be a full inspection in 2026, which will look at the full range of SEND services in the local area.  This will focus on the experiences of SEND children and young people, and their families, in Hertfordshire. Families will have the opportunity to feed their views directly into Ofsted as part of that inspection.  In the meantime, HPCI will continue to share your views and experiences and do what we can to bring about positive change.

The improvement work will continue to be shaped by the Ofsted feedback, as well as the new SEND Strategy that is currently open for consultation…

🗣️Have Your Say: SEND Strategy 2026–2029 Consultation

Hertfordshire County Council and its partners are developing a new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029. This strategy will guide how education, health, and social care services support families over the next three years.  The document draws on the listening activities that happened in the summer and sets out their key ambitions and areas of focus for the future.

What’s happening?

• The consultation runs until 6 February 2026.
• HPCI have offered our views as the draft has developed and we’re now keen to make sure that as many families as possible share their views by giving feedback on whether the proposed ambitions reflect what matters most to you.

How to get involved:

• Read the proposed SEND Strategy (or Easy Read version)
• Complete the online survey and support your child to share their views.
• Join in-person or online consultation events in January to share your views and speak with SEND organisations and county councillors – we’ll let members know as soon as we have details of these events.

We know that it feels as though families are being asked for a lot of input at the moment, but please do have a look and share your views if you can.

🧩 Have Your Say – Help HCC create a new Learning Disability Strategy.

HCC is creating a new Learning Disability Big Plan (Strategy).  This aims to improve education, social care, health, and community services so people with learning disabilities get the support they need.

They are asking for input on:

• What is working well
• What needs to change
• What matters most to you

Click this link for more information and to complete the survey (which closes on 6 February 2026).

📂 Purple folders and preparing for a healthy adulthood

Over 18s with a learning disability can apply for a purple folder, which pulls together their health information to help professionals working with them.

There is more information about these, and support for all young people with additional needs, in this guidance: Preparing for a Healthy Adulthood.  We think this is a great resource, which is well worth a look.

🏥 Martha’s rule

Did you know you can ask for another medical review if your child is in hospital and you are worried they are getting worse? Martha’s Rule is new NHS guidance, and not all parents are aware of it.  HPCI have met with the NHS North Thames Paediatric Network, who are keen to make sure that Martha’s Rule is accessible for ALL families in Hertfordshire.

You can click here to complete a short survey about Martha’s rule, and how the NHS can make sure it’s accessible. You can also look out for posters in your local hospital or ask a member of your child’s medical team for more information.

📊 Look out for the headlines from the recent HPCI annual survey

In our final update before the Christmas break, we will be sharing the headlines from this year’s HPCI annual survey.  Keep an eye out for this, coming your way next week.