Decision details

Outcome of the consultation on the strategic review of provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an overview of the main findings from the public consultation undertaken on the Strategic Review of Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) provision available to young people (0-25) in Leeds. In addition, the report set out proposals and specific priorities for the allocation of the Department for Education (DfE) capital grant.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further detail on the assessment procedures which were in place to deliver SEND provision to children and young people across the city, with assurances being provided around the robustness of those procedures. However, it was highlighted that additional funding for the High Needs Block of the Designated Schools Grant had recently been announced, which, when received would be used to assist with the delivery of related provision.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the details of the consultation and the final version of the Strategic Review of provision for children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, as detailed within Appendix A to the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that the DfE capital grant of £3,237,000 will be utilised over the next three years, following the five priorities as detailed within the submitted report;

(c)  That the proposed allocation of the DfE capital grant of £1,079,000 for the financial year 2018/19, as detailed within Section 4.4 of the submitted report, be approved;

(d)  That it be noted that the overall responsible officer for the implementation of the Strategic Review and the publishing of the plan is the Head of Complex Needs.

Public consultation between 6 November to 4 December 2017.

Parents, children & young people, staff and governors of special schools, child-care providers, ward members, neighbouring Las, MPs and other relevant stakeholders.