Agenda item - Special Educational Needs and Disability Review

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Agenda item

Special Educational Needs and Disability Review

Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached)

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

1)    The Committee endorsed the changes to the engagement timeline as set out in appendix 3.

2)    The Committee agreed to a further report being presented on 3.10.16 with recommendations relating to the reorganisation of provision that require further consultation.

3)    The Committee noted the following appendices;

2.3.1 Outcome of this first stage of the informal engagement process as set out in Appendix 1

2.3.2 Governance arrangements set out in Appendix 2

Minutes:

12.1    The Assistant Director of Health & Disability Services and the Programme Manager introduced the report and stated the report was the outcome of the consultation phase. It was explained to the Committee that in order to achieve a more efficient and financially viable pattern of provision, the team were exploring the possibility of restructuring the six special schools and two Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) to form three integrated special provisions across the city and develop more inclusive nursery provision in the early years.

 

12.2    It was explained to the Committee that it was the intention to bring forward a report with firm proposals to a future meeting; however, it was currently too early in the engagement and consultation period.

 

12.3    The Assistant Director of Health & Disability Services explained that the feedback from the consultation was set out in Part Two of the agenda. It was added that she did not feel it was necessary to move into a Part Two hearing but felt it was important to provide the Committee with the information.

 

12.4    Councillor Barradell noted that it would be beneficial for the Councillors to visit the special schools before the next report is presented at Committee.

 

12.5    Councillor Brown thanked all the Officers that had been involved in the consultation period and writing the report. She stated that the consultation outcome was very positive.

 

12.6    The Programme Manager stated that the parents from the pupil referral units had been contacted directly as part of the consultation and the majority had agreed to be consulted on more open questions.

 

12.7    In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty’s question about sensory support services it was explained that the team was under pressure and the recruitment for posts was difficult as a specialised qualification was required. Councillor Mac Cafferty noted that he was pleased with the work that had been done and would be agreeing the recommendations.

 

12.8    In response to Martin Jones the Assistant Director of Health & Disability Services explained that people are worried that the schools would be too large; however, they would not have the same capacity as the average secondary school in the city. It was added that the bigger special schools are often more popular.

 

12.9    RESOLVED

 

1)    That the Committee endorsed the changes to the engagement timeline as set out in appendix 3.

2)    That the Committee agreed to a further report being presented on 3.10.16 with recommendations relating to the reorganisation of provision that require further consultation.

3)    That the Committee noted the following appendices;

2.3.1 Outcome of this first stage of the informal engagement process as set out in Appendix 1

2.3.2 Governance arrangements set out in Appendix 2

Supporting documents:

 


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