Issue - meetings

[To receive an update from the Head of SEND]

Adrian Leach, Head of SEND, introduced the report which gave an update on developments in the provision and services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) since the summer 2018. 

The Head of SEND advised the panel of the legislative responsibilities that require local authorities, education providers and health services to transform the way they work with children and young people with SEND and their families. The Head of SEND outlined the governance structure and the work being done to build strong partnerships.

The Head of SEND outlined the performance measures that will show the effectiveness of the SEND Strategy delivery and the work done to respond to the findings of the Joint Area SEND Inspection, which identified areas for improvement.

The Head of SEND outlined the range of work done to refresh, refocus and update the SEND Strategy for Wolverhampton and invited members to comment on the progress.

The Head of SEND advised the panel that the recommendations from a review of short break provision will be completed in March 2018.

The panel discussed the opportunities for young people to be involved in developing the strategy. The Head of SEND welcomed the involvement of Youth Council to contribute ideas to help improve the offer to children and young people needing emotional support.

The Head of SEND also advised the panel of work planned to involve different groups in the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment(JSNA) and it would be helpful to involve youth council members in the consultation about the transition to different support services. Further work needed to improve autistic diagnostic support that is available.

The panel discussed the exclusion from school of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The Head of SEND advised that a report on the number of temporary and permanent school exclusions for children with EHCP will be presented to Children and Families Together Board.

The Head of SEND advised the panel of the work being done in preparation for a future inspection of the service. The inspection is done over a five-day period and will involve taking evidence from across the different partner organisations and also from parents and children.

The Head of SEND outlined the risks detailed in the report and the work being done to reduce them.

Councillor Lynne Moran, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, commented on the work done to break down silos between the different agencies involved. The Cabinet Member commented on the high quality of work delivered by people working in GEM centre and praised their commitment to improving the lives of children and young people referred to them.

The Cabinet Member praised the leadership and people working in the SEND service for their efforts to transform the service.

The panel queried details of the outcome measures for the SEND Strategy that will be used to assess the impact and progress. The Head of SEND advised that a report with baseline measures will be presented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5