Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report provides an update to the Scrutiny Committee on issues relating to special educational needs and disability reforms for children and young people aged 0-25.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Cath Millington on Tel: 474 2563 or email: cath.millington@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director, Services to People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) explaining changes to the delivery of services to children and young people with SEN and disabilities. The report explained that from September 2014, there will be a single assessment process which would result in an Education, Health and Care Plan which brought together services which focused on improving outcomes and providing an offer of a personal budget for families.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The impact of the reforms and personalisation of budgets on schools.

·         Academies had a statutory responsibility to comply.

·         Arrangements for resolving disputes would still lie with tribunals, however it was hoped and anticipated that the increased number of meetings with families would resolve disputes more than ever before and negate the need for tribunals.

·         The process of transition for those young people who are already in the system.

·         The legal test of when a child or young person requires an Education, Health and Care plan remained the same as that for a statement. It is expected that all those who have a statement would be transferred to an EHC plan.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.