Agenda item

This report provides the Panel with an update on the implementation of SEND reform in Bath and North East Somerset.

The Project Manager for Service Improvement introduced this item to the Panel. He said that the Council had made a good start to their work on the reforms and the transfer of data from statements of SEN to Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans. He added that parents, carers and practitioners have welcomed the changes as the plans are more person centred.

He explained that significant work is underway through the Employment is Everyone’s Business project (supported by National development Team for Inclusion) to improve pathways to employment for young people with SEND.

He added that a pre-apprenticeship scheme for young people with ASD is being piloted by Bath College and the Employment Inclusion Service using one-off funding provided by the DfE through B&NES Council.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the rise in numbers were due to awareness of the reforms or the extension of the age range from 0 – 25 years old.

The Project Manager for Service Improvement replied that he felt that the the reforms extending eligibility to ages 0-25 is a factor but that there is also an increase in the identification of significant needs in early years.

The Head of Vulnerable Learners added that we are seeking a better understanding of the needs of our young people.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if there were plans to improve the numbers of survey responses.

The Project Manager for Service Improvement replied that work was underway to improve feedback. He said they would look to use shorter surveys, target surveys to be issued following assessments and the use of online surveys as oppose to paper ones.

The Head of Vulnerable Learners added that they were seeking to gain regular feedback and to enable the public to see their plans online whenever they want.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked if all schools were publishing a Local Offer.

The Project Manager for Service Improvement replied that they all had done so as of last September and that they should be updating them on a regular basis.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked how confident of the changes proposed with regard to cultural shift they were.

The Project Manager for Service Improvement replied that he was confident of being able to make a change, but was aware that it could take some time. He added that the aspirations have been agreed in principle.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked if there were any incentives for employers to appoint young people with SEND.

The Project Manager for Service Improvement replied that Access to Work funding is available. He highlighted Project Search which is being carried out by the RUH and the Council and the increasing Government support apprenticeships.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care added that staff work with colleagues in Economic Development regarding apprenticeships and worklessness and that there is a strategic board in place for SEND.

Councillor Lisa Brett proposed the following recommendations to the Panel.

i)  Support the proposal to further develop the SEND Strategy Group to provide strategic leadership and introduce an Operational Group to replace the virtual leadership group.

ii)  Suggest SEND Strategy Group meetings should be held no less than once every two months during the second year.

iii)  Suggest that it might be advisable if the SEND Strategy Group Chair were from health or social care, rather than education to ensure inclusivity is embedded in the culture from the top.

iv)  Point 4.3, page 38 beside ‘what else?’ they could add an in depth review by the Children and Young People Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel.

v)  If the Head of Vulnerable Learners is to Chair the Operational Group, then the Vice Chair should be from either health or social care.

The Panel REOLVED to approve the recommendations proposed by Councillor Brett and note the progress made to date.