The updated Appendix was noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the contents of the SEND Improvement Board Annual Report 2020.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (J. THOMAS)

(Director of Education (S. Nyakatawa)

The Mayor introduced the SEND Improvement Board Annual Report. He highlighted this was a really important role for the authority. In addition to the regular annual report content, the report had a particular look at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that the current local area inspection by OFSTED would be published soon. He brought the meeting’s attention to the many strengths set out in the report and noted how important early diagnosis of problems was to support young people and increased capacity at local schools would be really important in providing this support.

James Thomas, Corporate Director, Children and Culture, took the committee through some of the key points in the report and in particular highlighted the strong partnership work shown by this report. The Cabinet were also taken through many of the activities that took place to support the strategy and annual report including such as through children’s centres and engagement from early years teams. There was also a big focus on the transitioning period to adult social care to ensure young people did not miss out on ongoing support.

The meeting heard from Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing on the improvement work led by the Health and Wellbeing Board to support SEND services.

The Mayor welcomed the presentations and proposed the recommendations as set out. Members present agreed the recommendations and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To note the contents of the SEND Improvement Board Annual Report 2020.