Agenda item

Purpose: To provide an update on SEND High Needs Block and the effectiveness of actions set out in the SEND Strategy Delivery Plan.

Hannah Geddert (SEND Strategy Officer) presented the report on SEND High Needs Block and Implementation of the SEND Strategy Delivery Plan (Agenda Item 9).

The following points were raised in the debate:

·       It was confirmed that officers were working with schools to help them self-assess for the Dyslexia Friendly Award.

·       Expansion of provision at the Castle School was welcomed.

·       Members asked about what could be done to address capacity constraints affecting annual reviews. It was noted that two interim officers had been appointed to support the annual reviews, particularly around Years 6 and 11 transitions.

·       There was discussion about the review of the Capita One system. There were concerns as to whether this would be able to meet the Council’s needs, and so alternative systems were being reviewed. A business case was being developed for an EHCP Hub, which would reduce administration time, while providing access to necessary data.

·       Members asked if the SEND Youth Forum would be re-established. This had previously been run by SENDIASS. It had subsequently been brought in-house and had been run by an apprentice, but the apprenticeship had come to an end and there had not been capacity to maintain it. SEND children in care still had their voices heard through separate participation networks. A retendering exercise was planned, and a market engagement exercise was underway. It was hoped this would pick up the Youth Forum aspects.

·       There was a question around local special education capacity. It was noted that Interim Special Education Development Officers were undertaking analysis regarding special education needs vs provision in West Berkshire. Castle School had already expanded and work was ongoing with other schools regarding possible new units for autism and SEN.

·       Members asked how the strategy’s priorities had been chosen. It was explained that there had been a lot of surveys and co-production work undertaken. Although priorities had changed slightly for the current version of the strategy, previous work had not been lost. Task Groups had been set up to look at emotional based school avoidance and short breaks.

·       Increased SEND was noted, but officers were asked if there was evidence to show that this was leading to better outcomes. Officers confirmed that this would be picked up through the annual review process.

·       Members asked how young people were supported into employment and independent living. It was explained that Internship Work Grant had been used to fund the supported employment provider, Ways into Work. A SEND Employment Forum had been created in West Berkshire and work was ongoing to create something at the Berkshire level. Ways into Work were working with Newbury College to deliver supported internships, and WBC was looking to offer supported internships too. An employer event had been organised to provide information on supported internships which had attracted over 80 attendees and featured a case study of a young person who had been helped into permanent employment through the scheme.

·       Members asked about learnings from the recent Ofsted review. It was confirmed that the SEND Delivery Plan actions were reviewed in the light of the Ofsted findings. Lots of the Ofsted recommendations had already been incorporated into the strategy.

RESOLVED to note the report.