Agenda item

A Report from Councillor Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached

Wendy Young, Head of Service for SEND, provided an update on the SEND landscape in Bury. She reported that two stocktakes have taken place since the introduction of the Priority Impact Plan, both of which have provided assurance to the Department for Education (DfE). The July stocktake highlighted the positive involvement of children and young people in the improvement journey, noting that their voices are embedded within the Strategic Improvement and Assurance Board, even when they are not physically present. The focus is now shifting towards deepening the understanding of priorities and strengthening the development plan over the next six months in preparation for the next stocktake.

Questions were raised regarding the expansion of local SEND provision. Brookhaven School has previously opened, and the DfE has agreed to support the development of a new special school. The aim is to adopt a graduated approach and retain children within the borough. However, concerns were expressed about delays to the new school’s opening, which was originally scheduled for 2026 but is now expected to be behind schedule.

Officers informed members it has identified a site and is supporting the planning process, although delays have stemmed from the DfE’s consideration of alternative options, including whether existing schools could accommodate the provision.

Attention turned to the neurodiversity hubs, Members expressed interest in understanding how these hubs will support children and young people, particularly in preventing mental health issues linked to unmet neurodiverse needs. It was agreed that colleagues from Health will be invited to a future meeting to present the neurodiversity plan, with emphasis on the need for joint working between health and children’s services.

Concerns were raised about children whose needs are not being met due to schools being unable to identify or accommodate them. The expansion of Milwood School was discussed as part of the inclusion strategy. Although the expansion is underway, it has faced delays. The process involves panel commissioning and determining whether provision is available.

Wendy Young clarified that unsuitability alone does not constitute legal grounds for appeal unless incompatibility is proven. The local authority must ensure that consultations are thorough and that provision is secured appropriately. The importance of mainstream settings making a difference was reiterated, with a focus on ensuring children access the right provision at the right time.

Joanne Burns raised the issue of children recognised as needing specialist provision but being placed out of borough due to a lack of local options. Wendy responded that meeting the needs outlined in EHCPs is a priority, and tribunals only arise when those needs cannot be met. She acknowledged that Bury has faced challenges in this area and that efforts are being made to improve resource provision and reduce delays.

Councillor Smith reflected on the SEND improvement journey, noting that tribunal delays are often linked to case law and the need for robust planning. The committee discussed the importance of securing a completion date for the Milwood expansion and whether funding had been allocated.

Looking ahead, members considered the challenges in achieving the desired impact. Resource constraints, particularly around high needs funding, and siloed decision-making were identified as barriers. However, there was optimism that the changing landscape and stronger partnership working, including through the SENCO network, could support progress.

Wendy Young emphasised the need to rebuild trust with parents and carers, acknowledging that systemic failures cannot be resolved overnight. Robert Arrowsmith added that parental confidence in accessing support without an EHCP remains low, and Bury has a higher proportion of EHCPs in mainstream schools compared to national averages. This reflects a broader national challenge.

It was agreed that

·         The update be noted

·         An update around the neurodiversity hubs be requested from Health colleagues at a future meeting