Agenda item

To consider the information report.

Julian Radcliffe, Service Director Inclusion and Family Services BCP Council, presented the report.

Julian Radcliffe introduced himself and clarified his role within BCP. He noted that there were challenges within his area of responsibility in relation to the HNB. It was confirmed that he wanted to secure strong partnership working between the  LA and schools.

It was noted that there remains challenge around vulnerability both within BCP, regionally and nationally and the system as a whole will need   to work together to address this.

It was suggested that the report details a complex situation and that some, but not all of the current challenges are external  to LA control. The demographic challenge was noted and the fact that the age range for High Needs (HN) had been extended through legislation.

It was clarified that there had been significant pupil growth and there were more children with complex needs due to medical advances. There are also increasing numbers of pupils with autism and SEMH which presents a challenge for schools. It was noted that teachers must be supported to include pupils presenting with challenging behaviour and it was suggested that this was greatest in KS3/KS4.

A large number of pupils are being placed in high cost settings. This is placing a significant demand on the HNB and needs to be addressed as a priority  

Concerns were raised about the number of exclusions increasing each year at KS 3 and 4. The number of pupils excluded in BCP is twice the national average. This needs to be understood and also addressed as a priority.

It was noted that there remains a lack of sufficiency in mainstream schools in respect of additionally resourced places. A discussion was held on this issue and it was agreed that sufficiency had to be a priority. Concerns were raised that the costs would continue to increase if this issue was not addressed.

It was suggested that alongside sufficiency the workforce needed to be supported and with the right support (including a strong WFD offer), so they felt confident and enabled to include vulnerable pupils in schools. 

It was confirmed that an increase in specialist services for schools, would also promote the confidence and capability of staff to support pupils with more complex needs .

Issues with the 14+ curriculum were raised. It was felt that a more traditional curriculum was not always a good fit for pupils and this can impact on their overall engagement. Some pupils need a different approach and options need to be explored.

The issue of joint commissioning was raised – in relation to Health engagement and contribution. At this time, these arrangements appear under developed and costs associated with more complex pupils (in particular) sit with Education.

The view was expressed that children do not exist in isolation; rather they exist in a series of systems (i.e. home; school; community) and each of  these needs to be stable if children are able to thrive. Future service design will need to ensure a holistic perspective that identifies and supports unmet across these 3 systems.

A culture of inclusion was described as central to future success in this area. This perspective needs to be championed and developed across the partnership.

It was suggested that a more detailed report be produced to show how a different approach would impact on the financial position. It was discussed how the potential financial gains could be achieved through a more inclusive and capable workforce.

It was questioned whether Early Years (EY) would be included? It was confirmed that Amanda Gridley is the lead officer in this area and she would be key in ensuring  EY  are represented in future developments.

It was suggested that this approach had the potential to affect the forecast depending on how quickly the recommended approach could be put in place. It was pointed out that the HNB could be reduced by meeting the needs of the children in school.

After discussion it was agreed that the DfE needed to understand the unique needs of 3 authorities coming together. This would allow the allocation next year to recognise and allow capital investment to support the suggested plan for the HNB.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.