Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report presented by Peter Rennie, Children and Families Special Needs Service, which provided details on Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC), the Government’s transformation programme for disabled children’s services in England.

Further information was provided on the Strategic Vision for the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, along with a Needs Assessment, Commissioning Strategy and spending plan for Year 2 of the Short Breaks programme, which was received by the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel on 24^th July, 2009.

This report, therefore, gave an update on Rotherham’s delivery of the Aiming High for Disabled Children National Core Offer (NCO), summarised the outcomes of the first year of the Aiming High for Disabled Children Short Breaks programme in Rotherham and progress towards achieving the Short Breaks Full Service Offer (FSO) four programme objectives.

In considering the contents of the report particular reference was made to the five elements of the NCO grouped under three headings monitored through NI54 informed by the parent survey, the evaluation of the delivery of Year 1 of the FSO, the updated needs assessment, revenue and capital funding, development of the existing provision and newly commissioned services with the voluntary and community sector.

Discussion ensued on the risks to finance and information provided to indicate that this funding provision was ring-fenced and would continue to be closely monitored on a monthly basis.  NHS Rotherham were committed to the programme, contributing financially and working closely with the Council on planning and delivery.

It was noted that the Aiming High for Disabled Children Grant would continue to be allocated and it was currently indicated that from April, 2011 as part of the Area Based Grant with the expectation that the level of short break provision in place as of 31^st March, 2011 would be sustained.

Consideration was to be given during 2010 – 2011 to the degree to which new short break provision commissioned through the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme may become self-financing from April, 2011. No activity had been commissioned beyond 31^st March, 2011 in order to allow for this planning to take place.

The capital element of the grant had been utilised for the refurbishment of the Orchard Centre, towards a Changing Place within the Eastwood Adventure Playground, financial support to the Kimberworth Project to refurbish the former Kimberworth Comprehensive School so as to include a comprehensive short term facility and contributions towards specific adaptations and equipment.

Whilst it was noted that there was no fee payable for the short break provision for those on benefits, it was felt that post March, 2011 and beyond any non-specialist service should have the potential to be self-sustainable. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the investment provided for the Aiming High for Disabled Children Programme be welcomed.

(2)  That the achievements and work to date be supported, noted and taken forward.

(3)  That an update report on the progress of the programme be submitted to the Cabinet Member in early 2011.