Agenda item - Annual Update SEND Strategy

Report of the Executive Director, Families, Children and Learning (copy attached).

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the progress made under the six workstreams.

51.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Families Children and Learning which provided an update on progress made towards the SEND Strategy.  The report was introduced by the Assistant Director (Health, SEN & Disability). 

51.2    Councillor Brown was particularly concerned about the mental health of young people and the continuing problem with CAMHS and requested more detail on the Neurodevelopmental Pathway (NDP).  Councillor Brown also requested an update on how the new employment hub was helping SEND children in terms of careers advice.

51.3    The Assistant Director (Health, SEN & Disability) introduced Sue Franklin, Educational Psychologist. 

51.4    Sue Franklin would follow up with more specific detail about the NDT pathway as she did not have this information to hand.

51.5    The Assistant Director (Education and Skills) said it was widely recognised there was more work to done to support young people with careers.  This work was being developed. The Employment Hub did amazing work targeting young people and providing bespoke support.   She would be happy to provide the Committee with a report on what the hub was doing at a future meeting.

51.6    Councillor O’Quinn asked from which location the NDP would be offered. 

51.7    The Assistant Director (Health, SEN & Disability) confirmed the NDP was being led by the Clinical Commissioning Group who were providing a written response for Councillor O’Quinn in readiness for the next meeting of the CYPS Committee. 

51.8    Councillor O’Quinn asked about translations referenced on page 54 of the report. 

51.9    The Assistant Director (Education and Skills) said this was about ensuring that parents received translations of what they needed and about working with different communities and parents who did not speak English as a first language.

51.10  In response to a question from Councillor Powell, the Assistant Director (Education and Skills) said they were working with the Yes and Set team and Employment Hub to ensure the needs of young people were understood and supported.

51.11  Ms Boyd hoped for more progress by the next meeting in terms of the amber RAG ratings.  This was supported by the Assistant Director (Health, SEN & Disability) who was working hard with the Transitions team and Interim Head of Service.  

51.12  RESOLVED:  That the Committee note the progress made under the six workstreams.