A report by the Director for Children, Families and Education provided Members with an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ( SEND) Improvement Plan. Members were informed how the Improvement Plan underpins the SEND Strategy 2020-2024 that was agreed by the Committee in December 2020.

The report provided detailed activity to be undertaken to support delivery of the Strategy and set out its four main strategic priorities:

1.  Provide high quality provision and support focussed on achieving outcomes

2.  Ensure early identification of special educational needs and high- quality intervention particularly for children and young people exhibiting social, emotional and mental health issues.

3.  Further develop effective transition from one education phase/ setting including preparing for adulthood pathway; and

4.  To develop participation, engagement and coproduction with children, young people, parents and carers.

Members were reminded that at its meeting on 1 December 2020, the Children, Young People and Education Committee agreed the SEND Strategy 2020-2024. Members were advised how the Strategy sets out the local area’s priorities over the next four years for improving services, support and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

The update presented to Members was set out in appendix 1 of the report and was based on the review of the current action plan and target dates. Members heard how the original improvement plan set out challenging timescales, particularly in the context of delivery within the COVID-19 pandemic and that the refreshed improvement plan reflects a more realistic picture in terms of key milestones and timescale. Progress of priorities were set out within the report.

A Member made comment regarding transitional planning for young people and resources available for moving into suitable employment and asked that a training session be arranged or workshop so that awareness of personal budgets can be raised. In response to a question, Members heard how at present there hasn’t been a substantial uptake in the utilisation of personal finance and that work is being undertaken with parents and carers in order to raise awareness.

On a motion by Councillor W Clements and seconded by Councillor S Spoor it was:

Resolved – That the Children  Young People and Education Committee agreed to:

(1)  endorse the progress made to date and on achieving the actions set out within the SEND Improvement Plan; and

(2)   receive a further update on progress towards achievement and evidence of impact in six months