MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2001 COMMENCING AT 2.00 PM

Present :

Mrs J L Wareham (Chairman), Mr J R Adams (deputising for Mr C B W Chapman), Mr M J Cunningham (deputising for Mr A J Mellor), Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr C R Hancock, Mrs M J Lloyd (deputising for Mrs B D Clough), Mr R G Mazillius (deputising for Mr G S Kendall), Mr A J Mundy (deputising for Mr P D Joyce), Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards

Co-opted :

Mr N Mitchell, Ms M Wilson

Also Present (non voting) :

Mrs D Gardiner

Apologies :

Archdeacon M Banting, Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs B D Clough, Mr P G Harris, Mr J F Howe, Mr G S Kendall, Mr P D Joyce, Mr A J Mellor

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2001 be confirmed.

7. DEVELOPMENT PLAN - SERVICES AND PROVISION FOR PUPILS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The Select Committee considered the report of the Director of Education and Community Development relating to a Development Plan for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The Director explained the background to the need for such a Plan which arose following the OfSTED inspection in June 2000. Additionally it took into account the recently revised Code of Practice for SEN and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.

The consultation arrangements undertaken were outlined together with the responses received. Arising from this a Development Plan had been produced on services and provisions for pupils with SEN for the period 2001 - 2004. The Plan set out priorities for the following four years. Each priority set out details of the purpose, nature and target group for each activity, action proposed together with timescale, allocation of responsibility, success criteria, monitoring and evaluation, resource requirement and links with other plans.

The Select Committee discussed each priority in detail. Mrs J Hudson the Headteacher and Mr P Almond, Chairman of Governors, for Medina House School together with Mrs N Baker Acting Headteacher and Mrs Chard Chairman of Governors for Watergate School were present and also contributed their views to the issues involved.

The major issue contained in the Development Plan related to reorganisation of the two special schools. This would provide for a Primary School and Secondary School for pupils with complex needs. The Director advised on the process involved in the proposed reorganisation. The target date for implementation of the reorganisation was September 2003.

The Select Committee noted that action proposed within the Plan would be within the existing revenue budget and from School Standards funding. The capital expenditure involved would require bids to the DfES being successful.

There would be a continuing role for the Select Committee in reviewing progress made with delivery of the Plan and there would be member involvement in the SEN Reference and Strategy Group.

Members congratulated those involved in producing such a clear and comprehensive Development Plan.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Executive be recommended to approve the Development Plan for Services and Provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs 2001 - 2004.

(ii) THAT the proposal to reorganise Medina House School and Watergate School be recommended to the Executive so that formal notices can be published.

CHAIRMAN