Issue - meetings
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Scrutiny Challenge Session Action Plan
Meeting: 09/05/2016 - Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Item 10)
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Committee received and noted a report that submitted the report and recommendations of the SEMH provision in Tower Hamlets Scrutiny Challenge Session. The main points of the discussion maybe summarised as follows:
The Committee:
Noted that the challenge session took place on 9th March, 2016 as a result of the concerns amongst some Members about perceived gaps in and pressures on, existing provision for children and young people with SEMH needs. The aim of the session was to achieve a better understanding of the full spectrum of SEMH needs in the borough, the range of specialist services available, the key partnerships with other providers and if provision was effectively aligned with need-especially in relation to services for girls.
Was advised that the SEMH is an umbrella term to describe a range of complex and chronic difficulties experienced by some children and young people. SEMH services form part of broader Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in the borough. The Council has overall responsibility for supporting children with SEN needs (including SEMH) and to review the special educational and social care provision made for young people up to the age of 25. The Council is required to publish information about the SEN services available in the area for young people known as the “local offer”. At present SEN statements are being replaced with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans for individual students with complex and acute needs. These plans identify specific needs and the inputs and interventions required from a range of professionals across the spectrum of specialist services to address these and improve individual outcomes.
As a result of discussions on this report the Committee:
Agreed the draft report and the recommendations; and
Authorised the Interim Service Head Corporate Strategy and Equality to amend the draft report before submission to Cabinet, after consultation with the Scrutiny Lead.