Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, People

The Cabinet Member with Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of People which provided members with an introduction to the SEND Strategy 2025-2029 for Darlington Local Area SEND partnership, which comprised a comprehensive plan to enhance the provision of services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

It was explained that the Strategy reflected the outcomes of the extensive engagement with stakeholders, including parents, carers, educators, health and social care professionals and young people themselves. It was explained that the Strategy supports Darlington’s Council Plan by promoting social inclusion, enhancing educational outcomes, building a skilled workforce, strengthening community health and ensuring sustainable development.

The report stated that the Strategy aligns with key legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2015 and Equality Act 2010, which ensured compliance with statutory duties. The report noted that the SEND Strategy 2025-2029 is an ambitious plan designed to improve the lives of children and young people with SEND in Darlington.

RESOLVED – (a) That Cabinet Adopt the SEND Strategy 2025-2029 on behalf of Darlington Borough Council attached at Appendix 1.

(b) That Cabinet Agree the Year 1 action plan to implement the aims of the strategy attached at Appendix 2.

REASONS - (a) The strategy is produced in the context of the statutory requirements set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 together with the guidance in the SEN Code of Practice that was issued alongside the 2014 Act. These provisions include the duty to keep under review the educational provision, training provision and social care provision made in its area for children and young people who have special educational needs or a disability and made outside its area for children and young people for whom it is responsible who have special educational needs or who have a disability (section 27 of the 2014 Act).

(b) The strategy is produced in the context of the statutory requirements set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 together with the guidance in the SEN Code of Practice that was issued alongside the 2014 Act. These provisions include the duty to keep under review the educational provision, training provision and social care provision made in its area for children and young people who have special educational needs or a disability and made outside its area for children and young people for whom it is responsible who have special educational needs or who have a disability (section 27 of the 2014 Act).