Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Education and Early Years on the progress against the Written Statement of Action (WSOA) in relation to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) inspection by Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) in October 2017.

The author of the report, accompanied by the Assistant Director of Education (SEND), the Executive Nurse NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group and the Chief Executive Officer of POINT (Parent and Carer Forum) attended the meeting to present the information and address the enquiries of the Board.

It was explained that Oldham had been subject to bi-monthly joint monitoring/support meeting from the Department for Education and NHS England in relation to its progress against the WSOA. The outcome of the last meeting in September 2018 had been very positive. It had been agreed that four of the five priority areas of the WSOA were RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rated “Green” with recognition of the work being progressed on the remaining “Amber” priority area in relation to Education Health Care Plans.

It was also reported that, due to changes to the inspection process by Ofsted, Oldham would receive another inspection anytime from March 2019 onwards.

The Board was informed that the figures for Education Health Care Plans for January 2019 were very positive as 100% of the plans had been issued within the statutory 20-week timescale. February’s projections were also very promising. Strong partnership with Health Services at operational and strategic level had been key in moving SEND services forward.

A Voice of the Child corporate strategy had been developed with various forms of engagement and involvement with children and young people across numerous services. A SEND event had taken place in October 2018, with opportunities for young people, parents, carers and professionals to come together to gather feedback about SEND services and share good stories. Another event would take place on 3^rd February 2019 to discuss children’s transition and post 16 opportunities.

The Board commended the progress made so far on SEND services and acknowledged how significant this was for the lives of many young people and their families. The Board agreed that there were many positive stories that needed to be shared such as the young person from Oldham who had become a Paralympian or the 21 young people who had recently become independent travellers.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The content of the report be noted;

2.    The progress made in relation to SEND be noted;

3.    A communication plan be devised to share the positive stories and achievements of young people in Oldham.