Issue - items at meetings - Children with autistic spectrum conditions

Report of the Strategic Director, People, on services for children with Autistic Spectrum conditions (copy attached)

15.1    Alison Nuttall, Strategic Commissioner Children, Youth and Families introduced the report on services for children with autistic spectrum conditions.

15.2    The Strategic Commissioner (SC) advised members that this was a service commissioned by the Council but delivered by a number of different providers. Partners are brought together through a partnership board which has parental representation on it.

15.3    The SC highlighted that all referrals are seen within 4 weeks and a growing number of cases have strength and difficulties questionnaires. There have been 3 complaints since 2009.

15.4    The SC advised that CAMHS offers a number of different services, those for children with autistic spectrum conditions being part of this larger service.

15.5    The issue of provision of services for children autistic spectrum conditions in private schools was raised. It was explained that the maintained schools, had through the Schools Partnership agreed to fund ASC support.

15.6    It was clarified that children not in maintained schools can access support through CAMHS, or schools could chose to opt into the ASC support service. (para 3.9 of the report refers).

15.7    Members thanked the Strategic Commissioner for a clear and detailed report and for presenting it in a very understandable manner. Members raised a number of points including:

1.      Have spending constraints impacted upon the service provided? Members were advised that staffing levels had not been cut, however as with all areas of local government resources were limited.

2.      In relation to a specific question on speech and language therapy it was agreed to provide a written answer.

3.      If private schools have to opt into the service is there a danger children will miss out on the services they need? Members were advised that schools have a duty to provide support and if the local authority felt this was not occurring they could intervene. It was highlighted that many private schools have dedicated SEN units.

4.      It was raised that a number of Cllrs have received reports of less than satisfactory service provision from parents and carers. Whilst the report provided a considerable level of detail there did appear to be mismatch between the report and user feedback. Members agreed that further work was needed to gain a better understanding of the level of service available. Discussion focused on the best way of achieving this.

5.      It was highlighted how complex the issue was and the manner in which different children may access the service. It was asked whether the local authority should be promoting its services to private/free/non-maintained schools.

6.      Questions regarding the qualifications of staff were answered, with most staff having degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

15.8    Members resolved to request that an independent user satisfaction survey be carried out with the results to be reported back to CYPOSC at the earliest opportunity.