Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached.

The Committee received a report regarding the outcome of the Bury Local Area SEND Monitoring Inspection. Members were expected to have read the report in advance of the meeting.

Councillor Walmsley introduced the report, following which Wendy Young provided an overview of the findings and progress made since the inspection.

Wendy Young explained that the Local Area Partnership had worked closely with Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England colleagues through regular stocktake meetings and ongoing monitoring arrangements. The monitoring inspection took place in March and the inspection outcome letter was published on 29 June.

The report outlined the progress made against the Priority Action Plan and concluded that improvements had been achieved across a number of areas. However, it was acknowledged that, despite being subject to intervention since 2017, one priority area remained a concern. Work would therefore continue through the delivery of the Priority Action Plan to ensure sustained improvement and positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

It was also noted that the report had previously been considered by the Health Scrutiny Committee and that the monitoring inspection should not be seen as an endpoint, but rather as part of the ongoing improvement journey for the Bury Local Area Partnership.

Councillor Hunt noted the lack of specialist provision for young people aged 19 and over and sought assurance that this issue was being addressed.

In response, Wendy Young acknowledged the challenges associated with post-16 provision. She advised that work was underway to assess sufficiency across post-16 education and support services. A SEND Sufficiency Lead had been appointed and a SEND Sufficiency Plan was currently being developed. Engagement was taking place with key post-16 providers to better understand local needs and ensure that future provision met demand. The Sufficiency Plan would be brought forward for further consideration in due course.

Councillor FitzGerald highlighted the importance of ensuring that actions identified through both the Children's and Health Scrutiny Committees were appropriately monitored and progressed. It was confirmed that minutes and actions would be circulated and that arrangements were in place to ensure effective oversight across both scrutiny functions.

Councillor Boles sought clarification regarding transition data for children educated within alternative provision settings.

Wendy Young explained that concerns raised during the inspection had related primarily to pupils attending the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and children who had been permanently excluded. Historic data collection processes within the PRU had not been sufficiently consistent. However, partnership working with primary and secondary headteachers had been strengthened, and discussions had taken place through the relevant forums to ensure that the PRU could provide greater assurance regarding transition arrangements and performance information.

Councillor Boles also asked for an update on the tracking and completion of annual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews.

Wendy Young advised that, while performance was not yet at the level required, significant improvements had been made through the full implementation of the Liquidlogic case management system. All children and young people were now recorded on the system, enabling more effective monitoring and tracking of annual reviews. Compliance rates were improving and further progress was expected.

The chair thanked officers for the update

It Was Agreed:

·       That the report be noted.

Actions

• The developing SEND Sufficiency Plan to be brought to a future meeting of the Committee for consideration.
• Continued monitoring of progress against the SEND Priority Action Plan.
• Ongoing oversight of actions arising from both the Children's and Health Scrutiny Committees to ensure coordinated improvement activity.