Report No. 80/2017 from the Director for People was received.

The Portfolio Holder, Mr Wilby, introduced the report, the purpose of which was to provide Cabinet with an update on the transformation of services for children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND) following the report describing the options available to enable the Local Authority to offer more localised provision to Rutland children and young people and to bring about improvement in the identification and provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability that was presented to Cabinet in January 2017 together with a high level action plan.

During discussion the following points were raised:

      i.        The team are working to bring as many SEND children back into the County for their education as possible.

    ii.        Wilds Lodge has achieved their third OFSTED ‘Outstanding’ inspection

   iii.        The additional funding would be utilised to clear the backlog (30-40) educational psychology non statutory cases.

   iv.        RCC have 4 members of staff that are aligned to the Early Help team so to provide a broader resource.

    v.        Part of the funding will be used to better understand the needs assessments data collated. This will allow for a better understanding of engagement support.

   vi.        All children that require an EHC plan would receive one. Increasing intervention at an early stage would prevent any unnecessary assessments taking place.

  vii.        The allocated funding of £500,000 is due to the low number of children in Rutland that require these services. This is the minimum amount that can be allocated.

viii.        The out of hour’s telephone message is to be checked to ensure it is clear that it relates to Adults and Children.

   ix.        Concern was raised regarding Childrens and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMBS) providing information to RCC in a timely manner.

    x.        The flow chart on page 176 of the report will be tested to ensure it is accurate. Concern was raised that the flow chart currently indicates that full assessments will be made by the duty desk within 24 hours.

   xi.        Confirmation was given that Parents, Care Regional Professionals are asked when a needs assessment is carried out.

  xii.        Recommendations below will be parked due to additional work required:

a.    The recommendation to develop the next phase (2) of the Transformation Project Plan and undertake actions necessary to implement the Rutland Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Inclusion Strategy.

b.    The SEND Inclusion Strategy.

DECISION

1)    Cabinet APPROVED:

1.    The use of £50k of the SEND earmarked reserve to support the delivery of service pressures and service development.