Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Executive Director of People seeking the approval of Full Council for the new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Partnership Strategy 2023-27.

Councillor Abdul Abdullahi moved, and Councillor Chris James seconded, the report.

Councillor Abdul Abdullahi introduced the report and thanked parents and carers for their contribution and time, which sought the approval of Full Council for the new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Partnership Strategy 2023-27, which would replace Enfield’s SEND Education Strategy (2018), which had now expired.

The new strategy would provide strategic direction for the Council and the local SEND Partnership to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. 

The strategy highlighted the importance of the first 1,001 days of a child’s life (up until the age of 2), and the impact this can have on the development and life chances of our children and young people.  Where early identification, together with early and consistent intervention was crucial to the outcomes and life chances of the borough’s children and young people.

The strategy also recognised that a child’s development and life chances were influenced by a multitude of factors such as early relationships, the care they receive, living in poverty, or becoming looked after.

There were significant pressures on the Local Authority.  There was a high need deficit in Enfield which resulted in a large number of children and young people attending out of borough provision.

For the children and young people with complex needs to achieve positive outcomes and reach the high aspirations set out in the Council Plan Enfield Borough Council must meet and support their needs.

The Opposition welcomed and supported the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Partnership Strategy 2023-2 which simplified access to early identification and intervention with ongoing support to enable the children and young people with complex needs to reach their full potential, to participate in society and to thrive.

Disappointment was expressed that the new Strategy did not contain reference how practical support could be accessed, particularly for those children and young people who were significantly affected by lockdown, which would have lifelong implications for those who were unable to access services and provisions and where online interventions were not effective.

The Administration expressed confidence that Enfield Borough Council would provide the support.

Following the debate, the recommendation in the report was put to the vote and was unanimously AGREED.