Dave Thomas: Supporting our children with special needs

It’s been a few months since Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission carried out their inspection of our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services, so I wanted to share where we are now and how we’re moving forward.

The inspection recognised several areas where Torbay is performing well, while also highlighting where further improvement is needed. That balanced assessment reflects what many families already know: we have some real strengths in our SEND provision, but there are challenges that must be addressed if every child is to have the opportunities they deserve.

Since receiving the report, our SEND team has been working closely with NHS colleagues to develop a Priority Impact Plan (PIP); an 18-month programme designed to deliver meaningful, measurable improvements for children, young people, and families. This is not a document for the shelf; it is a practical roadmap to make things better on the ground.

Crucially, the plan has been co-produced with SEND Family Voice Torbay, our parent carer forum. Over the summer, they hosted a series of online and in-person engagement events to gather the views of parents and carers across the Bay.

Their experiences, frustrations and ideas have directly shaped the PIP, ensuring that it reflects the real needs of families rather than being imposed from above. I want to thank everyone who took part; your voices are making a genuine difference.

There are five key priorities within the plan. One of the most important is reducing long waiting times for health assessments, which we know can be stressful for families. Alongside this, we want to make sure that the right support is available while families are waiting, so that children are not left without help during critical stages of their development.

The draft PIP has now been sent to the Department for Education and the CQC for approval, and we look forward to sharing the final version with residents very soon.

The inspection also praised areas where we’re already strong, none more so than our much-loved Fair Play Day at Torre Abbey. This August, more than 1,500 families enjoyed a fun and inclusive event designed for children who find noisy, bright environments challenging.

The day wouldn’t be possible without the generous sponsorship of Anderton & Rowland Funfairs and the DeVey family, whose ongoing support helps create a safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. Fair Play Day is a perfect example of what can be achieved when parents, the council, local businesses and community partners work together for the benefit of children.

Our wider ambition is clear: we want to create a prosperous and healthy Torbay for everyone, starting with giving children the very best possible start in life. Earlier this year we awarded £778,768 of capital grants to 22 primary schools to improve support for speech, language and communication needs.

Schools used the funding for projects such as sensory and intervention spaces, nurture provision and outdoor sensory areas. These are practical improvements that will make a daily difference to children’s learning experiences.

Many of these projects were completed over the summer and were ready for the new academic year. At Sherwell Valley Primary School, for example, new acoustic panels in three key areas have transformed the learning environment. Previously the acoustics made it difficult for some children, particularly those with speech delays, language comprehension needs or sensory sensitivities, to learn and communicate.

Staff are already reporting calmer physical education lessons, reduced lunchtime noise and, most importantly, a profound positive effect on children with autism and sensory processing needs who can now join in more confidently with their friends.

Another exciting development is at Mayfield College. Over the summer, refurbishment of the MyPlace building at Parkfield in Paignton allowed the first pupils to move from their old Occombe House site in September.

Further works will continue through the winter, with full completion expected by spring and the remaining students relocating by the summer of 2026. Importantly, the sports hall and classrooms will remain available for community use in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays, ensuring that this investment benefits the whole Bay.

All of these projects share a single goal: ensuring that every child in Torbay, whatever their needs, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. By working with families, schools, health partners and local supporters, we are determined to turn that ambition into reality. Together, we can build a brighter future for every child in our Bay.