Agenda item

Report of the Review Group

The Chair of this Scrutiny Committee submitted a report (previously circulated) to present the findings and recommendations of the Review Group established to examine the proposals and submit comment on the Special Educational Needs (SEND) Strategy and Funding and Travel Assistance Policy consultation process.

It was reported that some Members of this Scrutiny Committee had attended the various public consultation events that had been organised during the consultation period of 17 October to 28 November 2018 and Members met on 26 October 2018 to discuss the feedback received at the various consultation events and to propose a Scrutiny response to the proposals in the Strategy.

Members of the Review Group concluded that there was support for the proposals in the SEND Strategy and Funding from both parents and Members, however Members felt that there were some improvements that could be made to services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The main concern of Members was the lack of local resource bases and agreed that now was an appropriate time to review this provision which was last commissioned in 2010 and also proposed a key person responsible for accountability and communication between parents and schools.

The Head of Education and Inclusion discussed the recommendations in detail with Members and confirmed that they would be included as part of the consultation on the strategic plan for delivering better outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and proposed amendments to the application of the High Needs Block in relation to those children and young people.

The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio also acknowledged and supported the work and recommendations of the Review Group.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations below be approved by Scrutiny Members and referred to Cabinet as part of the overall consultation on the Strategy:

(a)    There is adequate monitoring of the funding allocated, especially within the Academies.

(b)    Consideration be given to the appointment of a Parental Liaison Officer.

(c)    That more Resource Bases are commissioned in Darlington mainstream provision.

(d)    The need for a Portage Service in Darlington be re-examined.

(e)    The working arrangements with the health organisations and CAMHS be improved.