Issue - meetings

This is a briefing on SEND reform and its implications for Bath and North East Somerset. The report sets out the new requirements, outlines work underway and some of the issues and implications. This paper does not make firm proposals for changes to the way services are organised or funded at this stage.

The Child and Families Group Manager introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that there are 760 school age children in B&NES with statements of SEN who will need education health and care (EHC) plans. He added that it is likely based on both national and local data that 18-20% of all children and young people in B&NES have some level of SEN, most of whom are supported in schools and other universal and targeted services with specialist input when needed.

He stated that B&NES did a good job within its current framework and was good at transitions. He said that the proposal was to now have one whole service up to 25 years of age and for the plans to be personally incentive led and shared with other services.

He explained that a pilot was planned for the New Year with implementation scheduled for September 2014.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that she felt it was a good proposal. She asked what impact it would have on pupils in receipt of School Action Plus.

The Child and Families Group Manager replied that under the new proposals some of the terminology will change. He said that the statutory duties upon academies and places of further education would be strengthened.

Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst commented that she welcomed the measure to include people up to the age of 25. She asked when the Panel could receive further information on the matter.

The Child and Families Group Manager replied that officers would have a better idea of how the plans would work in the Spring / Summer of 2014.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy and Commissioning added that it was not solely a Council matter and that schools and bodies such as the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) need to be involved.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the issues of SEND reform for Bath & North East Somerset.

The Chair thanked the Child and Families Group Manager for his report on behalf of the Panel.