Agenda and minutes

To consider any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Judy Dixey.

Apologies were also received from Cllr Anna Wright.

No declarations were made.

There were no announcements.

There was no such business.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2024.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2024 be agreed.

Report of the Director of Education Commissioning & Inclusion.

This report provides an overview of support for children and young people with SEND. It provides a summary of the self-evaluation that has taken place over the last year to highlight the strengths of the local system, our areas for improvement, and how we are taking these forward.

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Education Commissioning and Inclusion who, along with the Head of SEND and Inclusion and the Principal Policy and Projects Officer, introduced the report.

Members highlighted the importance of schools understanding that some children had additional needs, what these needs could be and what support was available. The Director of Education Commissioning and Inclusion said that this was an issue nationally and locally, there was going to be a curriculum review which would make sure that children with special educational needs (SEN) had their needs met. The curriculum review would be a way of highlighting best and good practice.

The Panel then spoke about the support available to children with additional needs. Some children, through assessment, who were not eligible for certain support streams might be eligible for others. It was important that people were made aware of all funding and support available to them.

Members discussed with Officers the importance of providing support and information to parents as a way of reducing social and cultural stigma around SEN.

In response to questions from the Panel about health partner organisation involvement in providing support, the Director said that there was investment from partners, most notably around the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS).

In their discussion of the report the Panel made the following comments:

• Methods introduced into classrooms to support children with autism and ADHD would also be beneficial for neurotypical children.
• Children with additional needs who were not in schools would have a home tuition package.
• The Panel spoke with officers about the provision for young people with additional needs and the post-16 years offer available to them.

The Panel requested that an update on the work happening around SEND be brought to a future meeting.

RESOLVED –

THAT The report be noted.