New policies and guidance as well as calls for a government review of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are among 42 recommendations made to improve services in parts of Cheshire.

A review was launched by Cheshire West and Chester Council this summer.

Families protested outside council offices earlier this year, unhappy with current services.

The report will be discussed by councilors at a later meeting.

The report says dissatisfaction with the SEND system has increased both locally and nationally.

The increase in the number of assessment requests, the lack of staff and the reception of families with more complex needs are among the reasons for this, as well as various problems that have arisen during the pandemic.

“As a result, some families in Cheshire West have been waiting too long for assessments, plans and support,” the report said.

Local authorities aim to implement Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs) within 20 weeks.

The national average is 49% of plans completed during this period, but this is lower in the Cheshire West and Chester council area.

In the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the rate for the district was 7.4%.

The report makes recommendations in a variety of areas, including improving communication with families, reviewing how staff work with schools and further review of services by the board.

It also highlights issues related to staff turnover, illness and recruitment.

He said this had left some families “frustrated, anxious and helpless, then dissatisfied with the service, ultimately losing confidence in the system”.

The report also says that although the focus is on local issues, it cannot ignore the national situation and the whole system needs to be reformed.

As a result, the report recommends that the council write to the government to request a full review of the SEND provision.

The report will be discussed by councilors before being presented to a full cabinet meeting next month.