Agenda item

Report Attached

Members were reminded they should have reviewed the report prior to the meeting.

Councillor Walmsley introduced the report and provided an overview of the draft SEND Sufficiency Plan. Members were reminded that the report had been circulated in advance and were expected to have read it prior to the meeting. It was noted that significant progress had been made in expanding SEND provision across the borough.

Nick Bell Secondary inclusion Lead outlined the increasing use of Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) packages, explaining that these are bespoke educational arrangements co-produced with families where appropriate. He advised that this is a complex area nationally and that the number of children accessing EOTAS provision continues to rise.

Councillor Hunt referred to the higher prevalence of EHCPs in Bury and asked about the implications of forthcoming legislative changes. Nick explained that ensuring appropriate support and health-related provision is available for children with all complex needs remains a priority and that officers continues to work closely with health partners.

Councillor Sheppard asked how the impact of recent investment in specialist provision would be measured.

Nick advised that demand for SEND provision is projected to continue increasing until around 2030 and that performance would be measured through tracking cohorts across the education system. He highlighted the positive impact of additional specialist provisions and advised that the new SEMH school, Willow Grove, operated by the Oak Learning Partnership, is planned to open in Redvales in 2028. Further work is also underway to map SEND provision and identify gaps, particularly across secondary education.

Ben highlighted the importance of balancing demand and supply through an inclusive education system. He stressed that successful outcomes for children and young people within Bury should remain a key focus of the wider inclusion agenda.

Councillor FitzGerald queried the financial implications of increasing demand, including continued reliance on out-of-borough placements.

Jeanette advised that the financial challenge is significant, particularly in relation to independent non-maintained special schools, and noted that efforts are focused on increasing in-borough provision wherever possible. Members were advised that demand pressures are projected to increase the High Needs Block deficit and that demand management projections would be circulated.

Councillor Martin asked why Bury has a comparatively high number of EHCPs.

Ben reported that there are currently just of 3,000 EHCPs, with further growth projected over the coming years. He advised that this reflects both local trends and a national picture, with SEND demand increasing across the country. The projections informing the SEND Reform Plan and SEND Sufficiency Plan were considered realistic.

Jeanette added that, historically Bury had been an outlier in relation to EHCP numbers, but projections suggest growth rates may begin to stabilise as additional capacity is developed.

Councillor Davies asked about the number of children with EHCPs educated within mainstream schools.

Ben explained that the SEND Reform Plan places a strong emphasis on inclusive mainstream provision and that improved data and forecasting now allow better planning of provision. He highlighted the importance of supporting mainstream schools, alongside string partnership working across education, health and social care.

Councillor Boles asked whether lessons could be learned from current post-16 provision. Nick acknowledged challenges in accessing appropriate post-16 opportunities and explained that work is underway to develop a wider range of pathways, including supported internships and more flexible provision to better the needs of young people with SEND.

It Was Agreed

·       The report be noted