Agenda item

This report follows on from previous reports to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which outlined plans to meet the increasing demand for specialist Special Educational Needs placements and to manage related budgetary pressures.  A project concept paper has been developed as part of the One Council Programme.  It sets out a high level plan for the period September 2010 to August 2013 and has the dual aim of improving local arrangements for meeting special educational needs and providing efficiency savings.

The Committee considered this report which followed on from previous reports to this Committee outlining plans to meet the increasing demand for specialist SEN placements and to manage related budgetary pressures.  Rik Boxer the Assistant Director drew members’ attention to the project concept paper that had been developed as part of the One Council Programme.  The paper set out a high level plan for the period September 2010 to August 2013 with the dual aim of improving local arrangements for meeting special educational needs and providing efficiency savings.  The document was considered by the Capital Programme Board which agreed that a business case should now be developed based on the concept paper, setting out the costs and benefits of the project in more detail.

Rik Boxer outlined the 3 main strands of the document as follows:-

a)        strategic planning and expansion of local specialist provision for children requiring placement in additionally resourced mainstream provision or special school provision.

b)        better commissioning arrangements for out-Borough SEN placements, where these continue to be required.

c)         further steps required to increase the capacity of mainstream schools to meet a wider range of special educational needs that would prevent the need for specialist placements.

The Assistant Director continued that the project would increase in-Borough SEN provision for children with high level needs by approximately 50 places within the project period with a long-term objective of establishing approximately 200 additional high quality places by 2020.  This cost effective local provision would reduce expenditure on out-Borough placements and associated transport costs with an added benefit of increasing inclusion of children with high level SEN into mainstream schools. He highlighted some of the challenges facing the service including population growth the increase in the number of children with profound learning needs, the reductions in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme and general uncertainties around lack of capital funding. 

Members noted the robust measures taken by the Department including joint placement with education and social care, united efforts with other Boroughs under the West London Alliance, an umbrella organisation, had helped in driving down overall costs.  Despite the difficulties being experienced, positive progress was being made including the rebuilding of Village School in Roe Green and the additional provision places at Preston Manor High School for autistic children.  It was generally felt that the provision of a greater range of good educational options would benefit children and young people, families and the Council by way of reduced expenditure on out-Borough placements.

Members then asked questions about “statementing” of children and what remedies were available to parents who were unhappy with the outcomes for their children.   The Assistant Director responded that differences in views and perceptions were inevitable and hence parents had recourse to a tribunal.  He continued that the waiting period before assessment was 6 months as set down by statute adding that since September measures had been put in place to fast track the system thus enabling Brent to achieve a compliance rate of around 85%.  In bringing the discussion to a close, the Chair emphasised the need for an early intervention to ensure effective support and action and in that regard suggested greater use of the Parent Partnership Service for impartial guidance.

RESOLVED:-

That the report on special education needs, one Council project, and the issues raised by members be noted.