Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Watson

Commissioner:         Bradwell (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That the use of the site as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisionbe discontinued and the building be used by Flanderwell Primary Academy to accommodate rising mainstreampupil numbers with effect from 30^th September 2016. 

2.    That another site be found attached to a mainstream school to provide for primary aged children with autism but with mainstream academic abilities who are currently struggling to have their needs met.

3.    That a further wider review of provision for children and young people with autism who are struggling in mainstream be undertaken at a future date as part of the strategic development of the Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) provision to meet the needs of Rotherham’s children.

4.    That the Secretary of State for Education be informed accordingly.

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval to discontinue the Autism Resource Unit on the Flanderwell Primary School site and transfer the resource to the Academy Trust to accommodate rising mainstream pupil numbers.

It was reported that Flanderwell Resource Unit was not conducive to the changing needs of the cohort of pupils that it was originally designed to accommodate. Concerns were raised by staff and specialists in autism that the building was not fit for purpose.

Consideration was given to substantial building work and financial investment to bring the building back up to standard, however following representations received through a consultation process, the preferred option was to discontinue to resource and for the building to be redesignated for use by the Flanderwell Primary Academy to accommodate the increased need for mainstream school places.  

Resolved:-

1.    That the use of the site as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisionbe discontinued and the building be used by Flanderwell Primary Academy to accommodate rising mainstreampupil numbers with effect from 30^th September 2016. 

2.    That another site be found attached to a mainstream school to provide for primary aged children with autism but with mainstream academic abilities who are currently struggling to have their needs met.

3.    That a further wider review of provision for children and young people with autism who are struggling in mainstream be undertaken at a future date as part of the strategic development of the Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) provision to meet the needs of Rotherham’s children.

4.    That the Secretary of State for Education be informed accordingly.