Issue - meetings

48.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval to extend the designation of the specialist facility at Wallands Community Primary School.

48.2     RESOLVED – to approve an extension to the designation of the specialist facility at Wallands Community Primary School to also include pupils aged 4-11 with a primary need of Autistic Spectrum Disorder with associated speech, language and communication needs with effect from 1 September 2022.

Reason

48.3     The local authority wishes to extend the designation of the specialist facility at the school with effect from 1 September 2022 so it can meet the needs of local pupils with Special Educational Needs, reflecting the changes being seen to the type of Special Educational Needs being presented. Since 2014/15 the number of primary age pupils with an Education Health Care Plan for speech, language and communication needs has decreased, while, over the same period, the number of pupils with an Education Health Care Plan for Autistic Spectrum Disorder has risen. The local authority’s Special Educational Needs forecasts are projecting that these trends will continue.

48.4     Feedback from the initial consultation was largely positive, with 73% of respondents in support of the proposal. No comments or objections were received during the subsequent representation period.

48.5     The local authority expects the proposal to have a positive impact on provision at the school. Specialist staff will continue to work with pupils in the facility and also work with teaching staff across the school to develop skills and expertise in responding to Special Educational Needs and creating an inclusive environment. The local authority believes that the facility is well placed to support children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and speech, language and communication needs.