Burnham-On-Sea MP Ashley Fox has written to Ofsted’s Chief Inspector calling for an urgent inspection of Somerset Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, warning that vulnerable children and their families are being badly let down by long delays and serious failings across the system.
In his letter, Ashley Fox highlights Somerset Council’s own assessment of its SEND performance, which describes the authority as “one of the most poorly performing Local Authorities in England” and reports “very low levels of statutory compliance across the SEND system.”
The Council’s figures show that since January 2026, fewer than 3% of Education, Health and Care Plans have been issued within the legal 20‑week deadline. A total of 989 assessments remain outstanding, with families waiting an average of 51 weeks for completion — more than double the statutory timescale.
The MP says he has been contacted by a growing number of parents, carers and schools across the constituency who have raised concerns about lengthy delays and difficulties accessing support for children with additional needs.
He also points to wider issues within Somerset Council’s children’s services, which were downgraded by Ofsted earlier this year, arguing that the evidence suggests deeper systemic problems requiring urgent independent scrutiny.
Ashley Fox has asked Ofsted to prioritise Somerset for its next Local Area SEND inspection and to carry it out within the next three months.
Ashley Fox says: “Every child deserves the right support to reach their full potential, and every parent deserves confidence that the system will provide it.”
“The evidence published by Somerset Council itself paints a worrying picture. Children and families are waiting far too long for the support they are legally entitled to, while the Council acknowledges serious failings in its own service.”
“I recognise that SEND services are under pressure across the country, but Somerset’s own reports show these problems go well beyond national challenges.”
“An urgent Ofsted inspection would provide an independent assessment of what has gone wrong, identify what needs to change and, most importantly, help restore confidence for the children and families who rely on these vital services. They deserve nothing less.”
