The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Children and Adults Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) capital projects at Red Hall Primary School and Rise Carr College and to the release of capital funds in relation to those projects.
The submitted report stated that it was proposed to develop two special educational needs resource bases for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Needs at Red Hall Primary School and Rise Carr College; the projects were proposed as part of the SEND Strategy approved by Cabinet in March (Minute C125/Mar/19 refers); and outlined the funding sources for those projects.
RESOLVED – (a) That the development of the Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) units at Red Hall Primary School and Rise Carr College, be agreed, to meet the need identified in the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy.
(b) That £700,000 from the Special Provision Fund allocation and £2,399,209 from the Basic Need Capital allocation, be released, with delegated authority to the Director of Children and Adult Services to manage the authorisation of this funding.
REASONS – (a) Release of the funds will enable capital investment to be undertaken in the SEND areas identified with the greatest need.
(b) Development of the SEMH units will provide an important link in the escalation process for children and young with SEND. Hopefully reducing the number who eventually progress into specialist provision often out of area.