Agenda item

A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

One question was received in advance of the meeting.

Responding Cllr L Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People reported that all children and young people must be safe in school. The local authority is committed to addressing any concern or risk identified and we strive to work in partnership with schools to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

The process for identifying a school for a child with an EHCP should work as follows:

• Firstly, it is important to note that all decisions to name a school in a plan are taken based on individual circumstances, in consultation with parents, considering the child or young person’s views and that of the proposed school.  

• Prior to naming a school within a child or young person’s EHC Plan, the local authority must consult the school and request a response within 15 days. If a child’s parent or a young person makes a request for a particular maintained school the local authority must consult that school too. The local authority considers responses to consultation very carefully before deciding whether to name a school in the child or young person’s EHC plan. The local authority must comply with parental preference unless it would be unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or SEN of the child or young person, or the attendance of the child or young person there would be incompatible with the efficient education of others, or the efficient use of resources.  All decisions are overseen by a multi-disciplinary panel, including representatives from education, health and social care to ensure a rounded view of the child/young person.  

• Once a school is agreed upon, the local authority must be confident that the provision outlined in the EHC plan can be provided by the school and that any potential issues in doing this are addressed, whether by further financial support or advice and support from other services. This is carefully explored by SEND Officers and in consultation with schools.

• The EHC plan must be reviewed, at least annually (every 6 months for children under the age of 5 years) to ensure that it continues to reflect the needs of the child/young person, that they are making progress and the school named in the plan remains suitable.  Should concern arise that this may not be the case at any time then an interim annual review may be requested.  

Two further questions were submitted at the meeting, as one referred to a member of the publics personal experience, with regards a SEND Tribunal, the Cabinet Member provided assurance, that she would liaise with the questioner outside of the meeting.

Responding to a question from Kiera Delaney, with regards to problems with communication following the departure of senior staff within the SEND team; the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People acknowledged that there is work to be done to improve communication between the Council and SEND parents.  With regards to the Ofsted action plan the Council were working to a timeline established by the Department for Education.  Communication is a key priority for the Department, as is co-production with stakeholders when producing the Communication strategy.   

Responding to concerns raised in relation to the failure to stream the meeting, the Head of Governance reported that the Council Chamber had closed due to health and safety concerns.  The Council Chamber is equipped with static cameras no other committee rooms have this facility.  It was agreed, in consultation with Elected Members, the Council would pause streaming of all Committee meetings until the Council Chamber re-opens.