Agenda item

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 joined-up approach. It was noted that the response had been very positive and was under constant review. 
• In response to a query about how to encourage schools to participate in the programmes, the Committee was advised of the engagement and work with teaching schools to look at what was being offered and to become part of delivery within teacher training programmes and also discussions with BU for training within social work degree. 
• The Committee was advised that the Virtual school would be holding its first BCP conference in November and the main focus was around trauma and attachment. 
• In response to a question about the Appreciative Inquiry, the Committee was advised of how it was created and the recommendations which came out of it, it was noted that it was followed by the SEND inspection which resulted in the need for a Written Statement of Action (WSoA), which was actioning some of the recommendations from the Appreciative Inquiry.  The Officer advised she would send a copy of the Appreciative Inquiry to the Member. ACTION
• In response to a query about the rise in EHCPs, the Committee was advised that there had been a large increase in requests for assessments nationally, as well as within BCP, the possible reasons for it were detailed, local authorities had greater responsibilities around SEND children, increases due to Covid and the increase in complex mental health needs
• In response to a query regarding permanent exclusion of children with SEND, EHCPs or looked after children and any differences in the way they were managed, it was clarified that any child who was looked after would have the support of the virtual school as an additional advocate, but any processes followed would be the same.
• In response to a query about children and young people who lived within BCP but attended schools in the neighbouring authorities, it was confirmed that all pupils who were resident within BCP would be supported by the inclusion team
• In response to a query regarding the disproportionate number of pupils with EHCPs and SEND being permanently excluded, the Committee was advised that schools were strongly encouraged to make contact before permanently excluding a pupil and the pre exclusion panel was set up to assist with that, but ultimately it was at the Headteacher’s discretion.  It was hoped that the Headteachers Forum would also provide support and guidance to schools.
• In response to a query regarding differentiation between expected standards of behaviour, the Committee was advised of the need for schools to be aware of the support available to them, ensuring that SEND needs are identified early on within the school setting
• In response to a query regarding the pre exclusion panel, it was highlighted that it would be a multi agency panel with specific individuals called upon depending on the individual circumstances.  The aim would be to all work together to find solutions to prevent permanent exclusions, including hearing the young person’s views in an appropriate manner.

The Chair summarised discussions as follows:

• Academy Trusts and how we engage them
• Uniform policy
• Alternative provisions
• SEND support and number of suspensions
• Navigator definition
• Training of teachers re trauma and attachment
• Appreciative Inquiry recap
• Rise in EHCPs nationally and across BCP
• Engagement with children from school
• BCP children attending schools in neighbouring authorities
• Pre exclusion panel

The Chair concluded that he would like to see more data shared with Committee to continue to monitor. ACTION.

RESOLVED that the Committee take note of the actions proposed to reduce exclusions in schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.