Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest in relation to any matter on the agenda.

The notes of the previous meeting on 27.9.22 were approved as a correct record.

The group discussed the role of the group and concern was expressed about the risk of duplication with work being done by other groups with a responsibility for reviewing progress against the actions detailed in the Written Statement of Actions (WSOA). The Scrutiny Officer commented on the remit of the group and advised that any changes would need to be presented to Cabinet for approval.

The group discussed the likely date of the next OFSTED inspection and agreed to await the outcome of this report before agreeing a further date to meet.

[Brenda Wile,Deputy Director of Education, to present report]

The Chair invited Brenda Wile, Deputy Director of Education, to give the presentation. The Deputy Director gave a short presentation commenting on the background to the Culture of Inclusion Project, the specific aims of the group, the five workstreams and the key achievements to date.

The agenda items for 5,6, 7 and 8 were presented for background information.

The Deputy Director of Education commented on the future activity in supporting and building on the achievements in meeting the objectives detailed in the WSOA.

The Deputy Director of Education commented on the positive feedback following monitoring inspection visits by Ofsted which highlighted the significant progress made in achieving actions detailed in the WSOA.

The Deputy Director of Education commented on the work being done to consult with young people with SEND about the planned changes in a series of workshops.

The group asked for a copy of the action plan developed during the sessions to be shared and commented that this is a good example of positive public engagement work.

The group were invited to comment on presentation and supporting documents.

The group welcomed and acknowledged the progress made in addressing issues detailed in the WSOA.

The group expressed concerns about the delay in introduction of a new IT system and that it has been identified as being a key risk in the presentation.

The group queried if employees had made any requests for specific support or assistance in the meantime. The group also queried if the Council’s IT services has been involved in checking that the new system will meet the needs of the service and address the concerns highlighted in the inspection.

The group asked for assurance about plans for ensuring employees responsible for delivering the service are confident in using the new system and how information about changes to the system will be publicised to parents of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children and young people.

The Deputy Director of Education referred the group to supporting documents about inclusion work and added that further details will be available on progress of actions linked to the Local Offer and Communication workstream to a future meeting.

The Deputy Director of Education commented that no additional resources are currently needed to support the Capital One system and advised the group that the project is being support by the Council’s ICT team, which was not possible under the previous contract arrangements.

The Deputy Director of Education acknowledged that time would be needed to train professional and parents in using the new IT system and ongoing training for everyone to be able use it. The level of training will depend on the choice of the new system and what, if any, additional resources are needed.

The group discussed the challenges facing families who may not have good quality internet access and commented on the need to consider the issue of ‘digital poverty’ when developing the new IT system.

The group discussed the factors contributing to the delays in completing the  education, health  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

[Brenda Wile,Deputy Director of Education, to present report]

No panel comments.

[Brenda Wile,Deputy Director of Education, to present report]

No panel comments.

[Brenda Wile,Deputy Director of Education, to present report]

No panel comments.

Please use this link to read the guidance published 29 November 2022. A copy has also been attached for information.

No panel comments