Issue - meetings

(4.20pm – 4.35pm)

To receive a report setting out the Cheshire East strategic priorities relating to Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the implementation of the new Code of Practice, as part of the Children’s Act.

Consideration was given to a report and presentation which set out Cheshire East strategic priorities relating to Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the implementation of the new Code of Practice, as part of the Children’s Act. It was noted that the strategy was supported by a detailed action plan and was set in the context of the Life Course Project. Details of the seven key areas and the action plan for implementation were reported.

The Bill placed legal duties on local authorities, early education providers, schools, colleges, health bodies and those who work with them for identifying children and young people with SEN, assessing their needs and providing support to them and their families. The detailed requirements of those legal duties were set out in the draft regulations and guidance on carrying out the duties in the Bill and regulations were given in a draft 0-25 Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. Subject to Parliament, the Bill would come into force from September 2014.

It was noted that the Life Course project had specific activities in relation

 to the new SEN Code of Practice and issues for the Health and Wellbeing Board would be the roll out of the new Code of Practice across agencies, implementation and delivery of a coordinated assessment and Education Health Care plan, joint planning and commissioning ( including pool budgets) and the local offer and preparation for adulthood. It was noted that consideration would also need to be given to the impact on services commissioned and the challenges faced with regard to the delivery of a co-ordinated care plan and structural changes, as well as process

RESOLVED

      1. That the report be noted.

2. That request regular updates on the progress of the strategic priorities

    be submitted to the HWB.