PAPER B

EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE - 19 MAY 2003

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

To take evidence from key witnesses as part of the Select Committee’s review of the SEN statementing process, with particular reference to autism.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To decide upon the format of a member review of the SEN statementing process, membership and timetable following consideration of evidence submitted by key witnesses.

BACKGROUND

At the meeting of the Select Committee on 15 April 2003 it was decided to undertake a review of the SEN statementing process, with particular reference to autism so to :-

1.        assess the effectiveness of SEN procedures and check that they follow the law particularly with regard to statementing, use of Assessment Panels, working of dispute resolution/ appeals of LEA decisions;

2.        obtain a clear picture of information needs for Councillors with regard to SEN;

3.        make recommendations to the Executive in respect of service improvements if necessary.

To assist the Select Committee with the above it was also decided to invite the following key witnesses :-

1.        Dr Fiona J Scott, Chartered Psychologist and Research Associate, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge;

2.        Ms Tina Hurley, a representative of the National Autistic Society;

3.        Cllr Christine Witcher and Cllr Zoe Patrick, members of the Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee, Oxfordshire County Council.

4.        Dorothy Harrington, Parent Partnership Officer.

I am pleased to advise that they have all accepted and will outline aspects of special educational needs and the processes involved in delivering services and support to children, parents and schools.

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 can identify key stakeholders/organisations that should be consulted, or alternatively allow a small Task Group to do this.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

The revenue budget for 2003/04 contains £5,305,793 in respect of SEN.

The Council has to follow the statutory assessment process in accordance with the SEN Regulations.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

None

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Agenda and minutes of the Education, Community Development and Lifelong Learning Select Committee.

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

ALISTAIR DRAIN

Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support