Agenda item

Francis and Adrian introduced their report which sets out the finances and performance of the five secondary Behaviour Partnerships.

·         Finances have increased since the introduction of KS3 in September 2014.

·         Further work required to set out overall expenditure and differences of the 5 Partnerships.

·         The performance of the Partnerships has vastly improved to become a successful programme.  There has been a reduction in exclusions over the past few years, the number of programme managed learners was at 78 in 2013/14, learners receiving advice and guidance for those at risk of being programme managed was 130.  Fewer learners are moving out of the County because schools and Partnerships are developing the ability to provide local solutions for local learners. Overall the Partnerships are providing excellent value for money.

The following points were raised:

1.            Partnership working has strengthened the links between secondary schools;

2.            Young people central to the programme are receiving a good deal to meet their needs; the learners are achieving good outcomes which increases the expectations on learners and the Partnerships to ensure they are re-engaged into education and progress into education or training at 16;

3.            Behaviour Partnerships are a catalyst for change within secondary schools across the County; the process of dialogue and co-operation about the way the schools work internally is well informed and effective.  It strengthens a schools capacity to develop individual youngsters.

Brian raised concerns about the longevity of funding for the Partnerships; and in particular the employment and training of its people.  Behaviour Partnerships is a productive and successful arrangement that requires planning on a medium to long term basis. 

Jenny responded that the Authority share the frustration not having longevity of budgets and not knowing what the High Needs resource will be.  From the 2014 Autumn statement – if current Government is re-elected they have said they wish to move towards multi-year budgets.

David Lloyd raised concerns, although positive work being done, he felt that mental health CAMHS support for this area was impenetrable. 

Lesley reported at a recent Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, an agreement that she would lead on a piece of work with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to look at new pathways to develop mental health support for young people and would like to have a Headteacher representative involved to support that work.

Adrian emphasised that the 5 Partnership Co-ordinators were key in linking Behaviour Partnerships with other services, capacity of these co-ordinators to act as success in these partnerships.

There was an issue raised regarding funding for City children –youngsters in County schools permanently excluded in order to access funding from City.  Lesley suggested dialogue with the new Director of Children’s Services in the City to find solutions that reduce the number of permanent exclusions in County schools for City resident learners.

Nigel asked whether studio schools were excluded from the Partnerships?  Adrian responded that in Hinckley and Bosworth they were included, but North West Leicestershire were not. The Memorandum of Understanding is that all learners are entitled to support from the Partnership.  It is the intention of the Partnerships to look at the process of transition at 16 – the Partnerships need to do more work around positive progression at 16 and tracking outcomes up to 18.

Mr Ould said the success of the Partnership was outstanding and he regards their services as essential for children in Leicestershire and gave his full support.

Mr Ould reported that he had recently raised an issue with Edward Timpson relating to the problem for Behaviour Partnerships for Looked After Children placed in Leicestershire by other authorities without notification.  Mr Ould reported that Paul Burnett, Chair of the LSCB, had written to a number of local authorities, as they are required to notify the LA and LSCB when these young people come in.  Mr Ould asked colleagues to feedback to him any problems relating to this matter.

Jean asked if there was any progress on this aspect of Behaviour Partnerships being rolled downwards into primary schools? 

Gill responded there was a lot of progress - Oakfield had established a one stop shop approach and introduced primary behaviour forums on a monthly basis.  A telephone advice line had been set up.  Need to join that up to ensure year 6 children are transitioning into secondary properly.  A report was being taken to Scrutiny Committee in January outlining proposals to provide a viable model linked up with the Specialist Teaching Service, and the Behaviour Partnerships model alongside the Special Schools model.