Agenda item

To receive a report from Andrew Fraser, Director of Schools and Children’s Services on the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) reforms. 

The Board received a report from Andrew Fraser, Director of Schools and Children’s Services on the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Reforms. 

Janet Leach (Head of Services for Disabled Children) presented the report to members, highlighting the following: 

·       The Children’s Act 2014 introduces one of the biggest changes to special education needs for many years.  The report provides an overview of these changes.

·       The agenda is challenging, with implementation starting in September 2014.  The steps for transition from the old to the new system are prescriptive. 

·       Statements are being replaced with Education, Health and Care Plans, which is a more holistic approach, they will also be extended to cover young people from 0 to 25 years of age. 

·       Currently 1,400 young people in Enfield are subject to a statement. 

·       A new SEN Code of Practice has been produced and is due to be signed off shortly. 

·       Young people will be given personal budgets.  Eligibility will be subject to a clear process depending on what funding is available.  People will only be able to request a budget when they have an agreed plan.  Agreeing a plan can take 20 weeks. 

·       There is also a requirement for setting out a local offer, by 1 September 2014, including the range of services available in Enfield. This will contain information about criteria, waiting times and access.

·       A clear mediation process for dealing with disputes will be introduced.  A contract will be agreed to provide an independent mediation service across the North London Boroughs. 

·       Young people will gain the legal right to express a preference for state academies, free schools and further education colleges as well as maintained, mainstream and special schools. 

·       Enfield has been piloting the new reforms with 12 families to see how they will work in practice and how services can best be commissioned. It will still be possible to make block bookings in some areas.  A myth buster leaflet is being produced to reassure people. 

·       Outcomes are improving.  There will be guidance around developing the plans, looking at outcomes for the general population and individuals.  Plans will involve identifying the needs to the child, and the required outcomes, small steps to be taken to reach these and the resources required.  A proportion of the resources will be available as a personal budget. 

·       Schools will also have to publish information about what they can provide.  All information will be included on a website. 

·       This will be a massive cultural change putting parents, young people and their families at the heart of the process.  Staff training will be required. 

·       The scheme will begin by prioritising young people in Year 6 – currently 140 children - with a target date for completion of 15 February 2015. 

·       The Government is providing extra funding for independent supporters to help families build resilience.  Enfield has been awarded champion status to share and disseminate good practice. 

Questions/Comments

1.               If people move between boroughs, boroughs will work together to minimise disruption to services. 

2.               It is unlikely that GP’s will be asked for advice about contributing to plans but they may be.  Providing a briefing for GPs is a possibility. 

3.               Governing bodies have recently been given a duty to monitor children who are suffering from long term conditions such as type one diabetes and heart disease.  These children would not qualify for an Education, Health and Care Plan but would have health care plans.  A briefing on the new duties will be included in the briefing pack for the next Member Governor Forum. 

4.               Child wellbeing networks will help in integrating services. 

5.               The Council for Disabled Children will be training independent support workers to provide support for parents.  School SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) and the Parents Forum will also be involved. 

6.               The new system should make it easier for parents to obtain the services they need for their children.  Parents will be fully engaged in the process, co-producing the plan and helping the professionals to identify the required outcomes.  There will be no reduction in the services available but this system should take away the fight that parents often have to go through to get what they need. 

7.               The voluntary sector have also been involved and will have a key role supporting parents.

8.               Most children with statements will transfer over to the new system but it will not be automatic. 

9.               Councillor Orhan, Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection congratulated the staff involved on the excellent work being carried out. 

10.           It was suggested that the Chair of Our Voice could make a presentation on their work to the Health and Wellbeing Board. 

11.           The Health and Wellbeing Board will support the work being done to extend knowledge and raise awareness about the reforms. 

AGREED

1.               To note the content of the Children and Families Act in relation to SEND. 

2.               To note the progress to date in Enfield towards implementation of the reforms. 

3.               To note the requirements around the joint commissioning and personal budgets and support the implementation in Enfield.