PAPER B

EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE - 15 APRIL 2003

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

To agree the process to be adopted by the Select Committee in considering issues relating to special educational needs (SEN).

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To approve the list of key witnesses to be invited to the next meeting of the Select Committee.

BACKGROUND

When the Select Committee had its Development Day on 11 March 2003 members debated items for inclusion in the workplan for the coming months ahead. It was felt that there was a need for the Select Committee to review the process involved in SEN statementing and in particular the .recent concerns being expressed about those pupils diagnosed as having autism.

To assist the Select Committee in its deliberations an informal briefing was held on 31 March. This gave members an opportunity to receive an outline of the statutory position, statementing process, progress on the Development Plan for Services and Provision for Pupils with SEN and resource implications. The informal briefing concluded that the statementing process, with particular reference to autism, should be reviewed. To assist in this Councillor P Joyce has suggested that evidence be taken from several specialist witnesses. In addition it may be appropriate to invite Dorothy Harrington of Parent Partnership to attend.

It is important that the Select Committee deals with the principles involved in the process and not any individual cases.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Council’s policies relating to SEN are contained within the Development Plan for Services and Provision for Pupils with SEN and also the Education Development Plan.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Select Committee will need to agree the witnesses that should be invited to give either oral or written evidence.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

There will be the cost of any travelling and subsistence incurred by any of the witnesses.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

None used.

Contact Point : Paul Thistlewood, ☎ 823285 e-mail [email protected]

                                                                              ALISTAIR DRAIN

                                                   Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support