Summary

The meeting addressed several critical areas, including updates on EHCP completion rates, waiting times for Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), the Neurodevelopmental Pathway, and preparation for upcoming inspections. The board focused on performance monitoring and reviewing the capacity of key services such as Educational Psychology.

Key Actions and Outcomes:

1. Action Log Review:

• There were nine open actions, and progress was reviewed. Gratitude was expressed for the Liquid-Logic EYES project team for its successful implementation.

• The Board resolved to continue tracking actions and noted no significant overdue items.

2. Strategic Performance Group Update:

• EHCP Completion: The rate remained low at 17%, with challenges noted due to increased requests and team capacity issues.

• SALT Services: Significant progress in reducing waiting times for children’s initial assessments over the past 12 months.

• Neurodevelopmental Pathway: Referrals from schools remained high, with over 500 in June and July, including 70 from one secondary school.

• Funding requests to reduce waiting lists had been slowed by governance processes, leading to the decision to escalate the issue to NHS England.

Outcomes:

• A letter will be sent to NHS England regarding additional funding for waiting list reduction.

• Reports on Year 9 transitions and SALT waiting time reductions will be presented at future board meetings.

3. Continuous Improvement Group Update:

• A Preparation for Adulthood strategy was developed in partnership, and a Self-Evaluation report is being prepared for submission.

• Work on the Quality Assurance of Resourced Provision in mainstream schools is ongoing, with schools integrating the provision well.

Outcomes:

• A report on the trial run of case audits in preparation for inspection will be presented.

• New resourced provisions will be included in the Quality Assurance work, pending approval from the Children’s Committee.

4. Participation and Engagement Group Update:

• Positive feedback was received on the SENDLO Summer Sessions, and annual parental surveys were scheduled for October.

Outcomes:

• The board noted the positive feedback and supported the planned parental surveys.

5. Written Statement of Action Impact Group:

• Progress was reported against 27 metrics: 19 achieved or exceeded, while seven were not yet achieved.

• Key challenges included low EHCP 20-week compliance (17% versus a target of 26%), and persistent absenteeism of children with EHCPs.

Outcomes:

• A report on complaints related to EHCP process delays will be prepared.

• Additional capacity is being allocated to the tribunal process to address delays.

6. Delivering Better Value in SEND Update:

• The focus is on supporting young people with SEND to stay in mainstream education through a £1M grant. Key areas include quality assurance, training, and the sufficiency of resourced provision.

Outcomes:

• A recruitment drive for graduates to support the Graduated Approach is underway.

• Quality Assurance efforts will continue, and the board approved the introduction of alternative provision metrics.

7. Risk Register:

• Risks were reviewed with no changes in overall ratings. Some mitigating actions were strengthened, and one risk (R0006) saw a reduced likelihood and impact.

Outcomes:

• A governance route for the Home to School Travel Report will be confirmed, with further updates expected at the next meeting.

Summary of Duties (Actions):

• Ongoing monitoring of EHCP 20-week compliance and service capacity.

• Securing additional funding for waiting list reductions in key services such as SALT and Neurodevelopmental Pathways.

• Ensuring readiness for inspection, including the completion of a Self-Evaluation report.

• Expanding Quality Assurance work to include new resourced provisions and refining performance indicators.