CONCERNS over the sufficiency of special school places for children with autism in Wiltshire has been highlighted by Ofsted.

A report also found secondary age children are not making enough progress, with the number of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) children on fixed-term exclusions from secondary school higher in Wiltshire than the national average.

However the report highlighted strong referral results, with education, health and care plans organised for more children faster than in other parts of the country. The council’s ‘You Said, We Did’ reports were highlighted as a positive service.

An Ofsted inspection carried out in January found some parents of children with autism felt frustration and anxiety about the lack of information about help available to them.

Improvements had been made in reading, writing and maths for SEND children at primary school and the county was now among the best in the country. However, standards within secondary schools have continued to remain too low. Inspectors said “insufficient progress” was being made by children between secondary school years seven and 11.

Some parents of children with autism told inspectors they waited long times for formal diagnosis and children were given places in specialist schools out of their local area.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “We will be focussing on delivering additional specialist provision in the south of the county so that children can access appropriate education provision without having to travel long distances. This will open in the next school year. We will also be working with all schools in Wiltshire to reduce the number of fixed term exclusions and to improve Key Stage 4 results for pupils with SEND.”

The report showed that Wiltshire Council supported young people leaving education into further education or employment, with the number of SEN people in training or education as higher than the national average.

The council’s Short Break Service, which provides respite for parents was praised.

Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children services, said: “Ensuring our children and young people have everything they need so they can thrive and achieve is a driving factor for all we do.”

Ted Wilson community and joint commissioning director for Wiltshire CCG added: “I’m pleased the report recognises the strengths of the joint partnership and the importance we place on the children and young people and parents having a voice and helping to shape the support they receive.”