Decision details

37.1     The Panel considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services.  Nathan Caine, Head of ISEND Provider Services, set out that this was to be a Local Area inspection which would encompass Health, Social Care and Education provision.  He highlighted the priority areas that have been identified though the comprehensive self-assessment, in the light of learning from the recent School Improvement Service inspection. He also highlighted the aspirations contained within the Inclusion and SEND Strategy. 

·        Ensure that children/young people and carers are involved in the shaping of their education provision and that there is excellent communication between professionals in drawing up and reviewing Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

·        Ensure that schools and education providers have a good understanding of the additional challenges faced by LAC with SEN and that they take appropriate steps to accelerate improvements so that they can achieve good outcomes.

·        Ensure that there are robust systems in place to ensure a good transition into adulthood, independence and ongoing training/education opportunities which are aimed at realising the ambitions of all LAC.

37.2     The Panel noted that East Sussex was above the national average in terms of percentage of children identified as having SEND (3.8% compared with 2.8%) and enquired about the ratio of children entering the care system that have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an EHCP, which was commented on by Regulation 44 and Ofsted Inspectors when visiting the County’s children’s homes.   Nathan Caine set out the percentage figure was reducing, from over 4%, and that funding arrangements for children with SEND had changed, and payments were no longer directly connected to Statements.  He also set out that not all children who enter the care system have an educational need but that there is a significant proportion with EHCPs or statements, and that work was being done to strengthen school-based provision of support.

37.3     The Panel enquired about working with mental health services.  The work of the county-wide Children’s Integrated Therapy Service and the positive links with the ESHT paediatric services were highlighted as good examples of partnership working.  Work to develop the most effective early interventions to maximise the impact was set out, including changes to Inclusion Units in schools to focus on nurturing and improving emotional wellbeing, to help the child return to a mainstream class.  Teresa Lavelle-Hill, Joint Head of the Looked After Children Service highlighted the LAC CAMHS service which works with foster carers and the residential homes and secure unit, and the Virtual School who work with designated teachers to address attachment difficulties. The care leavers service benefits from the input of a mental health nurse as part of the multi-disciplinary team.

37.4     The need to target the funding from the High Needs funding block to where it will have the most effect was stressed, as was working efficiently with partners, and increasing early support in schools.  The aim of achieving a person centred process, taking into account the voice of the child, was reiterated.  It was confirmed that 90% of children get involved in the annual review of their statutory plan, and that the Advocacy Service was available to assist all Looked After Children.  

37.5     RESOLVED to (1) note the details of the upcoming inspection programme for SEND; and

(2) note the preparation work that is underway to ensure that the County Council is best prepared for inspection and that the outcomes for children and young people are realised.