Agenda item

7.1

Dawn Walton, Director of Commissioning, Inclusion and Learning, SCC, presented the report which gave an update on transitions and SEND.  This was the second update to the Board and lots of activity had taken place.

7.2

A Preparation for Adulthood project team had been established, the results from the Ofsted and CQC SEND inspection and the written statement of action had been approved and published.

7.3

Other actions included:

·         Further work in early years services to ensure a child’s additional needs are identified at the earliest opportunity and support put in place.

·         Developing a package that supports the transition from nursery into primary school, with primary schools given details about their new SEN cohort in advance – to enable more effective planning/support to be put in place earlier on.

·         Vulnerable Learner Reviews to more effectively identify the support children need in advance and during key transition stages – including the move from primary to secondary school and into adulthood – and for those at risk of exclusion.

·         Developing the post-16 offer for young people with SEND, to include meaningful activities for those unlikely to move into employment.

·         Greater involvement from health and social care at transition points.

·         Developing clearer and smoother pathways from children’s to adults services.

7.4

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health, SCC, noted that there was beginning to be a distinction between a principles approach and a service approach.  Dawn Walton replied that work was still needed to change the culture, but the right mechanisms were in place.

7.5

Dr. Tim Moorhead asked how much engagement there had been with families.  Dawn Walton felt that there had been a lot of engagement, including with the Parent and Carer Forum.

7.6

There was still a challenge between adhering to the statutory framework and being meaningful.  All new plans were completed within the 20 week statutory timescale, but there was a need to ensure that the right provision was available.

7.7

RESOLVED: That the update be noted.