Agenda item

Considered

A presentation by Chris Reynolds, Head of SEND Strategic Planning and Resource.

Chris gave a summary of the presentation that had been included in the agenda papers. Members of the committee had a number of comments and questions:

What is the overall aim of introducing Targeted Mainstream Provision (TMPs) across the county?  Will children access TMP on a short term or long term basis?

The benefit of having TMPs within a mainstream setting is that more children will be able to stay in education within their local community, therefore being able to stay in contact with their friends and support networks. From January 2025, there will be 13 TMPs across the county and the aim is to be able to offer TMP provision in every locality area.  It is anticipated that over the next few years, there will be a significant national SEND reform and a bigger push towards provision in local schools.

The length of time that children will access TMP for will depend on their individual circumstances. For some children, it will be a short-term intervention and they will return to their school. For others, long-term need may be set out in their Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  The TMP model allows both short-term and long-term provision. Home to school travel assistance will be assessed against the council’s eligibility criteria.  It is anticipated that savings will be made if there are more TMPs because children won’t have to travel so far.

Is SEND provision different for post 16-year-olds?

The council’s children and young people’s SEND provision is from 0-25 years, and they work closely with post 16 years education providers when developing pathways for young people.

How many schools in Scarborough are close to becoming a TMP? Can the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee receive an update?

Feasibility studies have been completed to provide 2 TMPs, and the council is in the early stages of looking at a further 3.  There is also the Woodlands Academy new build, which, due to constraints by the Department of Education, was restricted to a new build and not an expansion.  Once governing bodies are in place, updates can be provided to the Area Committee.

In other parts of the country, TMP includes nurseries. Why is this not happening in North Yorkshire?

Early Years children can sometimes be wrongly labelled as having special educational needs when they are very young.  North Yorkshire is considering specialist schools post nursery age, but there are clear capital funding implications.

How are children with SEND supported when transitioning from primary to secondary?

It can be challenging for children with SEND moving from primary to secondary school and some require more support. Link officers work with schools and review what provision can be put in place to ease the move. 

How has the task and finish group helped to influence the SEND work across the service?

Stuart Carlton, Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Service, explained that the task and finish group’s report helped to sense-check the work that the council is already doing and its future planning. Everyone agreed that all scrutiny is helpful.  He also informed the committee that the service is well connected to national reforms and have contributed to a Local Government Association report of how the council supports young people with SEND. He added that the recent SEND Inspection of the service was fair.

Councillor Ritchie thanked Chris for the detailed update.

Resolved

That, the presentation is noted.