Agenda item

Responsibility for SEND had moved from Slough Children’s Services Trust to SBC in October 2017. A major element of the responsibilities were prescribed by The Children and Families Act 2014; in particular, the age range for which SBC had responsibility had now extended to 0 – 25 years old. An emphasis on aspirations had also been made in this legislation.

There were 2 levels of support; Tier 1 and the more intensive Tier 2 (where students required Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as part of their provision). Whilst the proportion of children and young people in Slough with Tier 1 support was significantly below national averages, the proportion requiring Tier 2 was significantly above national averages.

Overall, the system now had a more holistic focus (rather than being specifically academic). As a result, SBC’s SEND service worked with Social Services, health care providers and parents to build a rounded support package. Given this change in focus, previous Statements of Special Educational Need required conversion to EHCPs. At the time of this meeting, of the 650 statements inherited, 98 had yet to be converted; these would be prioritised, whilst ensuring that the quality of them would not be compromised by the desire to resolve the outstanding cases. The SEND service had also been working on governance for a year to ensure that all individual provision needs were met.

Staffing was now close to complete, with only one position currently vacant. The service was anticipating an imminent Ofsted inspection; unlike their school equivalents, these did not offer gradings but rather would require authorities deemed to have areas of weakness to provide written statements of action. Since September 2016, nearly half of the 30 local authorities inspected had fallen into this category; no action arose in the cases where Ofsted did not deem there to be areas of weakness. Should a statement of action be required after the inspection, the local authority would have a year to complete the actions outlined in its implementation plan.

Parent Carer Forums were vital in raising awareness and involving parents and carers in decision making. Slough’s forum (‘Special Voices’) was undertaking vital work on the matter. The appointment of the SENCO School Effectiveness Officer had also been vital, with co-ordination between schools (e.g. 2 new forums set up since January 2018) and work on upskilling imperative in supporting SEND work across Slough. Work on banding would conclude at the end of 2018, whilst a steering group was assisting on developing the local offer.

The Panel raised the following points in discussion:

·  The disparity between Tier 1 and Tier 2 statistics has been discussed with the SENCO Network. Whilst no firm conclusions have yet been drawn, it may indicate issues with early identification of children with special education needs. As a result, this would be an area where SBC and school joint working would be prioritised.

·  The working groups were assisting with joint working. SBC was receiving positive feedback on the matter, and the high level of attendance from local schools was very positive.

·  The Implementation Grant was being used to support the conversion of statements into EHCPs. This was not ringfenced, but had been agreed for the duration of 2018 – 19.

·  Briefings with schools had been held regarding the Ofsted inspection. An operational group had been meeting frequently (once a fortnight at first, now monthly) and the Clinical Commissioning Group was also supportive. Schools were aware of the criteria used by Ofsted and were using self evaluation forms to prepare; Task & Finish Groups were also being commissioned on the matter.

·  Some families were resistant to having their children assigned as SEND. Work with schools was being undertaken to offer support on this and ensure that the most positive messages were conveyed. It was hoped that this may also assist with the early identification issues mentioned earlier in these minutes.

·  Children with EHCPs had nominated support, so would not be affected by any changes in the level of support staff employed by schools. However, current banding arrangements were complex and may not be fully aligned with the priorities emerging from the 2014 legislation; this was being reviewed.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.