Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education.

The SEND Strategy 2024-2027 is a refresh of the previous strategy, co-produced between Stockport Council, NHS GM Stockport and SEND Partners, including but not limited to SEND Parent Carer Forum. Data from the SEND JSNA and the Investment Position Statement supported the identification of the key areas for prioritisation for the next 3 years.

The strategy contributes to the delivery of the Children and Young People Plan 2024-2027 which identifies seven Big Ambitions. The SEND Strategy delivers Ambition 4 but also works towards the other 6 Ambitions.

The Cabinet is recommended to endorse and agree the SEND Strategy.

Officer contact: Geraldine Gerard on 0161 474 3837 or email: geraldine.gerrard@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the SEND Strategy 2024-2027 which was a refresh of the previous strategy, co-produced between Stockport Council, NHS GM Stockport and SEND Partners, including but not limited to SEND Parent Carer Forum.

RESOLVED – That the SEND Strategy be approved and endorsed.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Director People and Integration and Director of Children’s Services and the Greater Manchester Deputy Place Based Lead.

The report sets out the strategic priorities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in Stockport for the period 2024 until 2027. It also outlines our approach to support children and young people with SEND to achieve and their families to thrive over the next 3 years. As leaders in the field of education, health and care, we recognise the importance of collaborative efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all children and young people.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and to endorse the report for submission to Cabinet.

Officer contact: Geraldine Gerrard, geraldine.gerrard@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Director People and Integration and Director of Children’s Services and the Greater Manchester Deputy Place Based Lead submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the strategic priorities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in Stockport for the period 2024 until 2027 and also outlined the approach to support children and young people with SEND to achieve and their families to thrive over the next 3 years.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       It was stated that in terms of the extra capacity that has been put in place that 600 more specialist places have been delivered across our specialist resource bases in the mainstream schools including in the new special school and in the pupil referral Unit since 2020, so just under 1,600 specialist places in a four year period.

·       What was being done to meet the demand for places was to identify the need at the earliest possible opportunity and since 2018 identifying children's needs and identifying them accurately has been much better.

·       It was commented that the ‘offer’ was being supported, particularly within schools, but also within the idea settings, and the idea was to make sure that they got the resources, the skills, the training and the money that was needed to meet those needs at the earliest opportunity.

·       Clarification was sought regarding the resources available in the areas of deprivation for EHCP and SEND support. In response, it was noted that there was a ‘balance system approach’ taken, which was still quite challenging to meet the needs of the schools for the extra resources.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and endorsed for submission to Cabinet.