Issue - meetings

      To receive the report from the Chief Executive.

Resolved:

Cabinet Noted:

1)    The key achievements of the 2020-2024 SEND and Inclusion Strategy 

Cabinet Approved:

2)    The SEND, Inclusion and Alternative Provision Strategy 2024-2029 

Reason for Proposals 

To support the work of the Wiltshire’s Local Area Partnership in the implementation of the strategy 

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, SEND and Inclusion presented a report providing an update on progress and achievements of the 2020-2024 Strategy and to note and approve the SEND, Inclusion and Alternative Provision Strategy 2024-2029.

Cllr Davies explained that following the successful implementation of the 2020-2024 SEND and Inclusion Strategy, the Local Area has co-produced with parents, carers, children and young people to understand how the next Strategy should look. The report detailed the six priorities of the new Strategy to be underpinned by a clear implementation plan and oversight by the Local Area AEND and AP Board.

The Deputy Leader highlighted the importance of approving the new Strategy as its outcomes result in the appropriate support for the individual. Cllr Blair-Pilling referred to priority 6 about preparing young people for adulthood and experience timely transitions, indicating that everyone needed to be involved. 

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Chair of the Children’s Select Committee, reported that the Select Committee considered the Strategy on 5 September 2024 and felt that there was a degree of uncertainty about what improvements were needed that the strategy would address, that more detail was needed to clarify what the strategy aims to achieve with some defined deliverables, that the role for schools could be clearer and that the Committee would monitor the implementation plan at future Select Committee meetings.  Cllr Hubbard also indicated that, in personally supporting the comments of others, another important task for the Council to address is the increasing number of Education Health Care Plans which could be due to the wrong perception of need. He reminded members that there is a role for every Councillor, including talking to their local schools about integrating SEND pupils into their schools as it promotes the best outcomes for the pupils.    

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the Strategy and thanked those involved in its preparation. 

Resolved:

Cabinet Noted:

1)    The key achievements of the 2020-2024 SEND and Inclusion Strategy 

Cabinet Approved:

2)    The SEND, Inclusion and Alternative Provision Strategy 2024-2029 

Reason for Proposals 

To support the work of the Wiltshire’s Local Area Partnership in the implementation of the strategy