To receive an update on the implementation of the Central Bedfordshire SEND Preparing for Adulthood strategy (14-25) which was presented to Executive on 31 March 2015.

The Assistant Director Adult Social Care and Assistant Director School Improvement outlined the implementation of the SEND reforms and the excellent partnership working with the Special Needs Action Panel (SNAP) who had helped in the delivery of the changes and to prepare young people for adulthood. 

In light of queries it was confirmed that throughout 2016 the Council would encourage further engagement in the process with those who found it more difficult to communicate.  It was also confirmed that several newly qualified social workers had been recruited by the Social Worker Academy to ensure an appropriate skills mix.  The use of agency social workers was at its lowest level in some time for both adults and children’s services.

RECOMMENDED:

1.    That the Committee welcomes the measures put into place to smooth the transition for young people with SEN and disabilities into adulthood.

2.    That the Committee looks forward to learning that all elements of the framework across all stakeholders within CBC have been implemented and put into practice.

Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y29jWXkPv1g