The NNPCF has recently submitted its response to the Hewitt review on Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).
The review asked questions around policy, targets, data and performance monitoring. The NNPCF is keen to ensure children and young people with special educational needs are visible in the health system, and our response to the Hewitt reviews reflected key areas raised by our membership.
The NPPCF is concerned to hear from many forums that there has been less engagement with health across the country since the introduction of Integrated Care Boards. Whilst we were able to share some examples of good practice of co-production with the Hewitt Review, many forums report being informed of local health plans rather than active engagement and co-production. The NNPCF highlighted the benefits of co-production for health systems and how performance improvement can be supported by bringing the lived experience of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to decision makers.
At present very few Parent Carer Forums are reporting to the NNCPF that their local IBC is set up in a way to reduce inequalities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The NNPCF reported to the Hewitt review that it is seeing little data to suggest that children are a priority for ICBS despite specific provisions being required. The NNPCF suggested national priorities focused on CYP as well as ensuring ICBs have the required provisions in place for CYP could help increase the visibility of CYP in the health system.
The NNPCF also fed back to the review feedback it has had from forums on other aspects relevant to the scope of the review. The NNPCF will continue to work with the Hewitt review and health services to ensure the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and the lived experience of their families is represented to those making decisions.
You can read our full submission below: