Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families which, following the initial report considered by the Board in October 2023, presents the planned activity to be undertaken as the next stage of the review, with a view to securing improvements in experience and service for children and young people.

Further to Minute No. 60, 18^th October 2023, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an update on the work which had been undertaken since the initial report regarding the review into the assessment and provision of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) in Leeds was considered by the Board in October 2023. Further to this, the report presented the planned activity to be undertaken as the next stage of the review process.

The Executive Member highlighted the significant rise in the number of children and young people applying for EHCPs together with an increase in the complexity of cases coming forward. The range of support being delivered to those children and young people with EHCPs was also highlighted, and it was noted that the report presented the actions being taken in Leeds to address the challenges faced.

Responding to a specific enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with details of the cost of the related external review work which had been commissioned. Also, in response to an enquiry, further details were provided on the value of the outcomes arising from that piece of work, which in addition to enabling the direct involvement of partners including children and young people, parents and carers and other key stakeholders, it had also provided a clear and robust action plan to deliver the improvements required. Finally, it was emphasised that the external review had provided an independent perspective and enabled the Authority to gain access to specialist experience in this area.

In acknowledging the increased demand being experienced nationally, a Member sought further detail on the how Leeds had managed the EHCP process in the past and the extent to which that had impacted upon the current position. In response, the significant increase in demand and complexity of cases that Leeds had experienced both during and post-pandemic was reiterated, and it was acknowledged that this had affected the ability to meet the need which existed. However, it was noted that through the review work which had been commissioned and the associated actions being undertaken, the Council was determined to deliver the improvements required to ensure better outcomes for children and families.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed outline of future rapid review activity around the review of EHCP processes, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the need to ensure that the views and experiences of children, young people, parents and carers are at the heart of future arrangements, be endorsed;

(c)  That the proposed changes in process and compliance which are due to be delivered with a view to securing improvements in experience and service for children and young people, be endorsed.