Issue - meetings

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Managing Director Children and Young People which sought approval of the Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2027.

Following the end of the previous strategy, the 2023-2027 was presented which had been developed focusing of current issues and future priorities for Oldham’s children and young people with SEND.

The development of the strategy coincided wit the publication if the SEND and Alternative Provisions Green Paper and the Department for Education’s local area partnership plans, which had been considered in developing the draft.

The Strategy was attached at Appendix 1.

Options/alternatives considered

There are no alternatives to this strategy.  All local areas are expected to have a strategy outlining the provision and development of functions related to children and young people who have SEND.  This ensures that there is compliance with the Children & Families Act, 2014, the SEND Regulations, 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, 8.1, 2015, which states:

Local authorities must place children, young people, and families at the centre of their planning, and work with them to develop coordinated approaches to securing better outcomes, as should clinical commissioning groups (now integrated care partnerships/boards).

They should develop a shared vision and strategy which focuses on aspirations and outcomes, using information from EHC plans and other planning to anticipate the needs of children and young people with SEN and ensure there are pathways into employment, independent living, participation in society and good health. Where pathways need further development, local authorities and CCGs [now integrated care partnership/board] should set out clear responsibilities, timescales, and funding arrangements for that work. This strategic planning will contribute to their:

·       Joint commissioning.

·       Local Offer, which must include support in preparing for adulthood

·       Preparation of EHC plans and support for children and young people to achieve the outcomes in their plan.

RESOLVED – That the Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2027 be approved.