CONCRETE improvements for young Islanders with special educational needs and disabilities are “not yet evident” — six months after a damning review found the system to be “outdated and often unwelcoming”.

The first independent monitoring visit since the October 2025 review has found “effective initial progress” has been made, but stopped short of identifying any real improvement yet in outcomes for children.

The independent reviewer, who returned in February, said Jersey’s education system is only at the beginning of what will be a “much longer-term transformation”, cautioning that the deep-rooted failures exposed last year cannot be fixed quickly.

Many of the problems identified in the report – including weak leadership, fragmented systems and inconsistent provision – “have developed over a period of years and will require sustained, phased implementation to resolve”, the reviewer said.

While officials have moved to shore up governance, improve collaboration and begin restructuring the system, families are still waiting to see results.

“Material improvements in outcomes for children and young people with SEND are not yet evident,” the reviewer concluded.

The original October 2025 review found Jersey’s SEND system was “not sufficiently effective” and plagued by inconsistency, poor coordination and a lack of clear strategy.

That earlier report highlighted widespread frustration among parents, with some describing support as inadequate and inconsistent, and warning that too many children were not having their needs met.

Now, despite what officials describe as a “constructive” response, confidence remains fragile, the most recent report found.

“While positive examples of effective practice and collaboration exist, these are not yet embedded consistently across all settings,” the reviewer said.

New structures — including plans for an independent Inclusion Executive Board — are intended to bring stronger oversight and accountability, but communication remains patchy, with some staff and parents still unclear about what changes are coming or when they will be felt.

Expectations among families have risen, but “so far, they see limited visible progress”.

The report highlights that variability in support across schools remains a major concern, with the timeliness and quality of documentation and assessment processes described as “inconsistent”.

“Variability in practice and provision remains evident,” the report said. “Many schools continue to report challenges in meeting increasingly complex needs within current resources.”

Jersey’s SEND provision is described as being in a “transitional phase”, with the reviewer highlighting confusion about decision-making, inconsistent communication, and ongoing anxiety among staff about looming changes.

“The system remains in an early phase of transformation, and many actions have yet to translate into consistent improvements in practice and outcomes for children and young people with SEND,” the report stated.

“The next phase of work must now focus on disciplined implementation, consistent and clear communication and timely decision-making so that the positive intent and preparatory work underway result in measurable and sustained improvement across the
Island.”

Further monitoring visits are planned over the next 18 months.