Agenda item

Jane Moore introduced a powerpoint presentation report which provided an overview of the High Needs Block Inclusion Project. 

Jane reported that by the end of 2016/17 the High Needs block budget was overspent by £2.5M which was a reduction from the projected £3.8M.  Jane explained the aim of the High Needs Project and outlined its objectives, some of which had now been completed.  However, Jane acknowledged that a lot of this work would take time and the key objective was to make sure it led to a sustainable solution.

Jane updated the meeting on the work being carried out against the project’s workstreams as outlined in the powerpoint.  To help guide SEND development the workstreams were being overseen by a newly established SEND Strategy Board.  The Board meets every six weeks and had representatives from key stakeholders.

Janet reported that savings had already been made through case reviews of pupils in independent provision at key transition points.  Jane commented that progress to date was going really well and detailed some of the training and provision being provided.

Jane outlined key project risks in particular the financial position and seeking political approvals to change by Cabinet. 

Jane commented that a SEND inspection of the local authority was highly likely and the department is in the process of writing a plan to prepare for this.  Jane updated the meeting on other SEND developments such as changes to the local offer, work being carried out on short breaks, looking at transition and robust conversations being held with health.  There was good news that additional capital funding had been received and would be available for the 2018/19 financial year to help develop local provision.

David Atterbury reminded representatives that there had been significantly more capital investment to help develop SEND provision, for example, the £11M allocated to the new building for Birkett House in Wigston opening in September.  He also commented that changes had been made to the LA developer contributions policy in order to seek Section 106 funds for SEND provision relative to new housing proposals.

Graham Bett enquired if the impact of the new area special school had been assessed yet.  Jane commented that every initiative was costed.  A significant number of children had been taken out of independent provision and placed elsewhere.

David advised that the new school will provide additional places helping to future proof against further demand.

A comment was made regarding the importance of cross agency working to access services and funding – to get the high needs spend under control.

Suzanne Uprichard referred to ASD SEMH provision on page 24 of the paper and asked if this new area special school would specialise in these two areas.  Jane explained that further work was in progress with mainstream schools regarding the development of local provision. 

David said that it was unfortunate that the main thrust of meeting ASD demand based on the MacIntyre bid for a free school had now been withdrawn by MacIntyre and the local authority is now progressing on smaller solutions in mainstream schools/academies schools but it is not to say there may not be another free school bid which is outside the control of the LA.

Kathryn McGovern enquired about our ability to negotiate with independent providers, and suggested working through MATs may offer a more suitable solution.  Jane said that this was part of the workstream. Both Callum Orr and Heather Hall emphasised the need for a solution to be found soon to help ease the pressure on schools.

Karen Rixon emphasised the need for more expansion at primary level for the ASD issue.

Jean Lewis enquired if work on the 19-25 provision had stopped.  Jane confirmed it has not disappeared but needs to be considered in the context of post-16 education provision which is likely to be a further workstream for the HNIB project.