Decision details

The Committee considered the final version of the Cheshire East Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Partnership’s SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy and Development Plan, referred to as the Cheshire East SEND and AP ‘One Plan’, including the high-level priorities identified within the document and the associated reporting mechanisms for tracking progress against the plan.

The three high level priorities of Right Support in the Right Place at the Right Time aligned with DSG Management Plan, the Council’s Corporate Plan and the National Send Improvement Plan.

Members asked questions and provided comments in respect of

·       whether the banding system was now fully implemented?

·       Was there sufficient capacity to halt the upward trajectory of EHCPs?

·       What were the Council’s statutory duties involved with parent/carer discussions and decisions about individual support

·       Concerns shared in respect of the impact of reduced funding on school provision and the DSG deficit.

In response officers stated that

·       the system was being expanded to all age groups, with full implementation planned by September 2027

·       Actions in the One Plan aimed to reduce EHCP demand through school training and early intervention.

·       The Council must ensure appropriate provision and wraparound support for all children with EHCPs.

·       The DSG deficit was not included in the MTFS; at the time of writing the report, the final outturn was not available. The current position was £112.1m deficit as of March 2025.

Concerns were raised about the lack of certainty around AP and SEND capital projects, including the £300k cost of maintaining Westfields. The Chair confirmed a meeting had been held with local MPs, and they were lobbying central government to get a speedy resolution. The Chair agreed to share the letter with members.

An options paper was also being developed in case government approval was not secured and the outcome of that would be shared with members.

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That the Children and Families Committee

1. Approve the contents of the Cheshire East SEND and AP ‘One Plan’, including agreeing the high-level priorities of: Right Support in the Right Place at the Right Time.

2. Agree the proposed ongoing reporting mechanisms for the Cheshire East SEND and AP ‘One Plan’.