Issue - meetings

This report provides the Panel with an overview of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in B&NES.

Councillor Paul May introduced this item to the Panel and stated that the increase in demand for Education, Health & Care Plans over recent years had grown so much. He added that he did feel that they were now turning the corner and making progress in the time taken to carry out assessments and the increase in issued plans.

The Chair asked if it could be explained what has been done so far to enable these initial improvements to have occurred.

The Head of SEND replied that the number of SEND practitioners had been increased to be able to analyse requests for an assessment. She added that there is also now a robust improvement plan in place, looking at six key areas to improve, alongside ongoing changes to our systems to benefit the public and officers.

She said that the turnover of SENCOs within schools was high and that where possible these roles need to be retained.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked why 24% of assessment requests were denied.

The Head of SEND replied that the applications are put before a multi-agency panel to establish whether (i) the child has SEND and (ii) whether their needs are above the level of what the school can normally provide. She added that they need to see a robust record of the offer of what the school has done.

She said that if provision can be achieved from school resources that should occur without an EHCP.

Councillor Hardman asked if since the budget discussions, had there been any changes to the numbers of children (204) with complex needs who were in receipt of out of county provision.

The Head of SEND replied that far too many young people still do travel out of area for provision and that they were putting in place Resource Spaces within mainstream schools to assist with keeping pupils connected with their local community.

She added that they were working with the DfE to move forward with new SEND, AP and residential provision. She said that discussions will take place with schools as to whether their Planned Admission Number (PAN) can be increased, and they were also working collaboratively with other Local Authorities in terms of placements.

Kevin Burnett asked what support is offered if a needs assessment is turned down.

The Head of SEND replied that Senior Inclusion Officers would offer to hold a ‘way forward meeting’ with the parents / carers and the school to establish what can be done for the child in question. She added that the SEND / AP Advice Service will also play a key role in this process.

Kevin Burnett asked if the SEND / AP Advice Service replaces what has been removed in terms of support services to schools.

The Head of SEND replied that it did not and that its role was to signpost what services are available and be a place for where schools can go to find support.

Kevin Burnett asked if there was enough provision in place  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105