Agenda item

This report provides an overview of the work to date within the Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) system, through the newly developed SEND Improvement plan.  It provides a narrative to the improvement work to date within the BCP Council SEND service, the wider SEND system and points towards the significant progress that has been made over the last 6 months. It is recognised though, that much more needs to be done and that a continued effort is needed across the partnership to address the further areas of improvement.

Alongside the operational and strategic improvement work within the SEND system the report also provides information and a short narrative on the progress of the Safety Valve programme and resultant next steps. Discussions are still ongoing with the Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and as such a revised Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) plan has not yet commenced.

The Interim Director of Education and Skills 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.

This report provided an overview of the work to date within the Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) system, through the newly developed SEND Improvement plan. It provided a narrative to the improvement work to date within the BCP Council SEND service, the wider SEND system and points towards the significant progress that had been made over the last 6 months. It is recognised though, that much more needs to be done and that a continued effort is needed across the partnership to address the further areas of improvement.

Alongside the operational and strategic improvement work within the SEND system, the report also provided information and a short narrative on the progress of the Safety Valve programme and resultant next steps. Discussions were still ongoing with the Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and as such a revised Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) plan had not yet commenced.

The report also outlined the serious implications of the current funding position for SEND services, for the Council.

The Committee discussed the report including:

• In response to a query raised, regarding SEND services working to Safety Valve objectives, the Committee was advised that there were no further conversations between BCP and the DFE regarding Safety Valve. The management of the designated school grants had to continue, and the service was still working to that plan. Children’s Services officers would welcome an opportunity to speak with the local MP to discuss BCP as well as the national challenges that the service faces. 
• In response to a query raised regarding the two-tier system for new and old cases, the Committee was informed that there were 232 children awaiting assessment due to a backlog. This had resulted in new cases being processed much faster than the backlogged cases. However, the issue had been resolved, and all cases will now be decided within six weeks.
• The Committee was advised that work was being done to increase the support and investment in parent carer groups to encourage greater community-based discussion linking groups across BCP.  Locality events were being organised to share the plans of Children’s Services and to ensure residents had an opportunity to contribute and develop ideas.
• In response to a query raised regarding parent complaints, the Committee was advised that complaints are considered and responded to weekly, taking into account the status of any highlighted issues. Children’s Services prioritises addressing all issues as part of the SEND improvement plan and the new structure.
• The Committee was advised that the link to the SEND scorecard would be shared in these Minutes in the Minute Book, a link to which would follow:  SEND Improvement Board key performance indicator (bcpcouncil.gov.uk).
• In response to a query raised regarding Dingley’s Promise, the Committee was advised that Dingley’s Promise is a charity that the services were working with to support the early years cohort of children with emerging SEND needs. The aim was to work with and support families on how they can access early years education.
• In response to a query raised regarding the responsibility of providing an inclusive system in the mainstream setting, the Committee was advised that support was being provided to schools to promote inclusivity. This includes identifying challenges that schools may face in becoming more inclusive so that tailored support can be offered. The aim was to address these challenges and promote inclusivity throughout all year groups.
• In response to a query raised regarding support for young carers, the Committee was advised that there was a team in place to support young carers throughout education, as well as support for schools on how to best assist young carers with any challenges they may have.
• The Committee was advised that more work can be shared with the Committee in a future meeting relating to young carers, inclusivity and the Early Help offer. ACTION
• In response to the query raised regarding the Interim Director of Education and Skills contract ending and its impact on the improvement journey, Children’s Services officers commended the work done by the Interim Director. The directorate had identified the direction of travel and challenges through diagnostic measures and now has a blueprint for the improvement journey to ensure the improvement work continues.
• In response to a query raised regarding the additional funding received for educational psychologists, the Committee was advised that the funding was granted to address the backlog of assessments that were due. Additionally, it was used to establish better service provision and processes, with additional resources provided to increase capacity if required through locum agencies.
• The Committee was advised that a SEND restructure had been implemented to tackle the reliance on agency staff. As a part of this restructuring, an assistant case officer role was introduced to facilitate internal progression within the organisation and to provide training for new case officers.
• In response to a query raised regarding teaching assistants and addressing the gap in funding for them within schools, the Committee was advised that discussions were being held with headteachers to determine the best way to support the development of teaching assistants within schools. A commitment was made to recognise this as an issue, and discussions are scheduled to take place in September to address this issue.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the report.  

Voting: Unanimous