To seek comments from the Committee on the SEND Vision and Strategy.

The Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) delivered a presentation which set out the implications of the new Children and Families Act 2014. Almost all children with a statement of special educational needs had now transitioned to the new system of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). Members were appraised of the service’s current areas of focus, the effectiveness of processes and procedures and the impact and process of the area inspection. The Head of Service outlined the development of the SEND vision, its overarching principles along with the delivery and action plan.

As a result of the presentation Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         The change in age range and the associated impact on the service, numbers had initially increased but were beginning to stabilise.

·         That those young people who had previously been discharged from the system had the opportunity to re-enter it between the ages of 18-25 if they wished to do so.

·         The importance of preparing for a SEND inspection which could occur at any time.

·         The importance of ensuring the transition period between 18-25 years of age was managed effectively and that the needs of young people were met, with all relevant commissioning arrangements in place.

·         That the parent forum SNAP was an effective way of measuring feedback on the service provided.

·         That overall the levels of children on EHCP’s had risen.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee acknowledge and support the continued progress of the SEND vision and strategy and that the action plan be delivered to the Committee at a future meeting.