Issue - meetings

In May 2021, BCP Council’s Children’s Services commissioned an Appreciative Inquiry into inclusive practices across schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Recommendations were made to improve practice. In addition, BCP Council and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) were required to submit a Written Statement of Action following a local area Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection. Several of these actions aim to reduce exclusions.

The Service Manager, Inclusion Team presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

In May 2021, BCP Council’s Children’s Services commissioned an Appreciative Inquiry into inclusive practices across schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Recommendations were made to improve practice. In addition, BCP Council and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) were required to submit a Written Statement of Action following a local area Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection. Several of these actions aim to reduce exclusions.

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• The Chair highlighted the change in terminology now being used as suspension and permanently excluded.  It was noted that a pupil could be suspended for 45 days of a school year, however this was a rarity and support was often sought by the school before it got to that stage.
• It was highlighted that there was monitoring of which schools were permanently excluding pupils and the reasons behind it across BCP.  It was noted that this data would be used to provide challenge to schools to reduce permanent exclusions with the appropriate support.
• A Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) enquired about how to resolve the issue of the distraction these pupils caused to the school community and the Committee was advised that support was available to all schools to help pupils within the school environment, hopefully reducing disruption.  The aim was to upskill school staff to ensure all pupils felt safe in the classroom and it was a productive environment.
• In response to a query regarding the setting up of BCP’s Headteachers Forum, the Committee was advised that it was hoped all schools and academy trusts would want to be involved to discuss important issues affecting BCP schools. An MYP requested to be involved with any discussions at the Headteachers Forum regarding school uniforms. ACTION.
• With reference to the review of alternative provision, a Member highlighted that she had suggested some premises which would be suitable for alternative provision and could they be investigated ACTION.
• In response to a query about the rise in more than one suspension for pupils SEND support and EHCPs, the Committee was advised that there had been a national increase in suspensions and permanent exclusions following the return to school after Covid and the possible reasons for that were detailed.  The Committee was reassured that SEND officers and schools worked together to support the needs of any pupils.
• In response to a query regarding the definition of a navigator, the Committee was advised they were part of the pilot scheme of ‘team around the school’ and navigators were members of BCP team, based within schools, who would work with families and pupils to assist inappropriate referrals into social care, increasing attendance and preventing suspension and permanent exclusions. It was highlighted that the navigator would liaise with any other lead professionals involved with the child to create a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24