Agenda item

Dorothy Smith, Director of Schools and Lifelong Learning to report

Consideration was given to a joint report presented by the Director of Schools and Lifelong Learning describing the proposal to integrate services across Social Care, Education and Health for children with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) in Rotherham. This proposal was in line with Government requirements for reforms in commissioning and provision for SEND across Education, Health, Social Care and wider partners as set out in the Department of Health’s SEN Green Paper ‘Support and Aspirations; a New Approach to Special Educational Needs and Disability and with joint commissioning as set out in the Children and Families Bill 2013.

The submitted report described the improved outcomes for children and their families, legislative requirements for the Council, key principles, benefits and potential risks of this integrated approach. Members noted that the proposal was in line with the joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Starting Well, Developing Well and Living and Working Well. The Strategy stated that changes would take place in services to meet the reductions in revenue as demanded by the coalition Government.

The SEN Green Paper ‘Support and Aspirations; a New Approach to Special Educational Needs and Disability set out the following vision:-

-          Early Identification – streamlining assessment processes and development of the Education, Health and Care Plan;

-          Giving Parents Control – Creation of a ‘Local Offer’ covering including the choice for families to opt for a “Personal Budget”;

-          Improved Learning and Achieving – improved outcomes for children and young people across schools and colleges;

-          Preparing for Adulthood – Seamless service from birth to 25 years, with smooth transition;

-          Services Working Together for Families – development and expansion of joint commissioning arrangements.

The official timeline required the reforms to be in place by September 2014.

The report also outlined current service provision (including SEND services), the proposed integrated approach and the importance of improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.

It was noted that the Cabinet had endorsed the proposal for consultation, which would last for the maximum required period of 45 days. This action would enable the reconfigured joint approach service and the required revenue spending reductions to be implemented from April 2014 (Minute No. 168 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15^th January 2014 refers).

Members referred to the following salient issues:-

-          the pooled budget arrangements (local authority and health services) and the need to ensure value for money;

-          the development of a project plan, for eventual submission to Members;

-          the role and function of the Young Adult Transition Team;

-          the provision of equipment for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (e.g. Rotherham Equipment Store);

-          the process of consultation in respect of the new arrangements, which would be the subject of future reports to Elected Members;

-          the requirement to achieve reductions in revenue spending on the integrated health, education and social care services.

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That the proposals to integrate services across Social Care, Education and Health for children with a Special Educational Need or Disability, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted.

(3) That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Health Select Commission, during the Autumn 2014, detailing the proposals for the new arrangements for integrated health, education and social care services for children, young people and their families.