Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the revised governance arrangements for the Cheshire East 0-25 Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Partnership.

The committee considered the report which provided an update on the revised governance arrangements for the Cheshire East 0-25 Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Partnership, aimed to ensure improvement actions undertaken through the partnership were completed effectively and at pace, achieving the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND within a financially sustainable framework. The committee noted that the revised governance arrangements and strategy had been approved by the Children and Families Committee on 16 September 2024 and would continue to be closely monitored by the Children and Families Committee.

The committee queried the referral process for pupils seeking diagnosis. It was confirmed that parents could make direct referrals to avoid delay of early intervention support. Significant work was underway to improve early intervention and prevention for children and young people across the borough, including toolkits for parents and settings, supporting schools and settings to upskill staff and building on expertise.

The committee noted the revised 0-25 SEND Partnership governance structure and were pleased that officers felt that the pressures and expense of providing services were reasonably distributed between providers. The new structure would further build on joint partnership decision-making. It was confirmed that SEND structures within primary and secondary schools were improving and that all schools and academies were working hard to support and drive forward inclusion. Partnership working would further encourage inclusion for children with various needs that could be met in mainstream settings. It was confirmed that the Capital Programme would continue to be closely monitored and managed to ensure the appropriate levels of provision for SEND placements across the borough.

Officers agreed to circulate the Terms of Reference for the SEND Executive Overview Panel to members of the committee.

Cllr M Sewart left the meeting during consideration of this item and did not return.

RESOLVED:

That the Audit and Governance Committee note the report and updates provided.