Statement from Cllr Marian James, Chair of Sutton Council’s People Committee

As Chair of Sutton Council’s People Committee I want to keep residents and families updated on our commitment to improve our services to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Following my commitment made at People Committee on 4 July, last week Mr Nick Ireland, acting Strategic Director of People at Sutton Council, was appointed as a non executive director to the board of Cognus. He is now agreeing our plan of action to more closely direct their work. We will soon also be able to announce the appointment of the independent expert to review the practice of Cognus and our working arrangements.

I want to restate that we are absolutely committed to continue our improvement journey. Our plans to improve have been endorsed by the Department for Education and NHS England and they are satisfied with the progress we are making. I will continue to keep residents and families updated on the achievements as part of our drive to improve.