Agenda item

Monitoring and supporting the proposed pathway changes – to support the elements detailed within the proposed model, assessments needed to be undertaken therefore work was being carried out within educational settings.  This ensured children’s needs were being met, by working in tandem with schools to make sure clear pathways were in place, and if required accessing and pooling intelligence and resources.   It was stressed that partners were committed, united with a strong wish to make the collaboration work.  It was noted that the project funding was being provided by the Department for Education.

With regard to costs associated with out of authority placements, it was acknowledged that provision and costs would be more controllable where provision was available in local authority settings and was an area being addressed within the school sector, to provide and offer high quality placements for children.  Unit costs for placements in comparison to out of authority placements were significantly lower. 

It was stressed that if needs were met at the right time it would provide a significant measure and hopefully avoid future out of authority placements.  The panel noted that out of authority placements were a challenge for everyone and the positive news that the different approaches would benefit both children but also costs associated with current and future provision, was accepted.

Social, Emotional Mental health hub places – it was explained that one hub had opened and a further 3 were due to open in spring.  The Panel accepted that with any project there could be delays and noted, that due to recent weather, additional flood risk surveys had to be undertaken.

The Local Authority was working with families and schools to ensure the right provision was in place, making an impact and enriching opportunities for young people.

With regard to concern that capacity could outreach demand, it was noted that need was being managed and the pressure for placements would remain.

In response to a query relating to whether the hubs were available for children being home educated, it was explained that the child needed to be detailed on a school roll or it would be classed as an unregistered provision.  Advice and guidance would be provided by the Attendance Team if this was the case.

Stakeholders and partners delivering the SEND Strategy – It was explained that the following groups developed and deliver on the Strategy:

Local Area SEND Board (including representatives from each key stakeholder group including children, young people, parents, health leads, schools and trusts from all sectors);

SEND Engine Room (council, parents and health);

Parents ‘Making the Difference’ sessions (6 weekly);

Children and Young People’s SEND Board;

Head Teacher’s SEND Strategy Group;

Head Teachers Briefings;

SENCO Steering Group;

Schools Forum;

Head Teachers SEND Funding group;  and

SENCO Needs Descriptors Group;

The local authority also consulted widely on the development of the strategy, working with the Department for Education and have shared key documents with OFSTED.  A parental survey was currently being undertaken prior to an update of the strategy.

High Needs Block Overspend – in response to concern expressed it was explained that some high cost placements where absolutely necessary, but developing facilities within Doncaster would ensure children were closer to home.  It was stressed that the key work described in the report would make a difference in the long term, eg. fair funding, early investment, a stronger range of preventative measures, improved sufficiency and stronger capability / accountability.

The Local Authority had a clear deficit reduction plan and was working with the DfE to ensure it was fair and realistic.  It was noted that there was a £3.5 billion shortfall nationally with many local authorities were struggling to reduce the deficit.

Stonehill’s new Post 16 provision – the Panel acknowledged that this was an amazing programme.  It was noted that the work with Stonehill was very exciting and that conversations were regularly held to hear about experiences and what could be improved.  The Local Authority was working with Stonehill on a number of projects and reviewing future provision.  The specific number of employment training places was unknown at this point but there were a significant number of employers working with the school and keen to engage. 

There was currently significant work ongoing and in it’s early stages, it was therefore proposed that an update on the issue be provided at a future meeting in 2025.

Education Act – In response to concern expressed it was explained that the Local Authority had been adhering to the Education Act with regard to promoting high standards and fair access to education.  What the report highlighted was the Local Authority going beyond what was the statutory duty and to do more for Doncaster’s young people.  It was explained that the Doncaster had made a conscious effort to ensure specialist placements for young people were available and improvements delivered, whilst the Panel noted growth in demand had increased fourfold since 2020.  It was stressed that historically better decisions could have been made which would have prepared Doncaster for challenges that had followed the 2014 Code of Practice, the impacts of Covid and school academisation.

RESOLVED:  That

1)          the changes implemented to date and impact be noted;  and

2)          the future overall approach detailed within the report, including the impact on future savings and cost avoidance, be noted.