Minutes of the SEN Reorganisation Steering Group

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Gary Bowden, HT at Netherlands Avenue and Community Nursery has replaced David Muir on the Steering Group.

BD – Transition under way for closing Temple Bank school.

SM – The letter to Temple Bank staff is being sent today.

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CD tabled and talked through the proposals for respite service.  These services proposed for the severely disabled where after school and week-end provision is suggested and where overnight provision only given as a last resort.  The variety of provision explained, together with the exit/preventative service. CD also passed on issues from parents/carers – particularly the lack of resources throughout the district, especially in Keighley. Proposals to inform the suggested reorganisation process also explained.

CH commented that there was not a commonality across the various agencies and different criteria may be used for assessment, although they are usually complimentary.  CD replied that this issue was being looked into.  MC commented that the Children’s Trust may resolve this.

MC raised the issue of the lack of provision at Clockhouse, Keighley.  PG commented that the extended schools provision could provide the means for taking this forward.  PG to raise with Maggie Peel, Extended Schools Adviser.  HS agreed to add respite care as a consideration within the Vision into Practice subgroup.

SG requested that facilities should include art rather than simply sports.

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JW – DfES announcement delayed but expected shortly - the affordability gap is being taken seriously and is now looking more hopeful. 

FM Task Group has had its first meeting which was well attended although no representation from Special Schools – SG to chase.  A further four meetings to take place before the end of November to develop recommendations for an FM package.  Visit arranged to a PFI extended community school in Sunderland with an FM contract.

PG – a meeting has taken place with Secondary and Specials Schools where FM was considered.

It was agreed that LA and JR (Health) would attend the FM Task Group when necessary.

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HS - Consultation now closed.  Report ready for EPP on 23 Oct and to Education Overview and Scrutiny 5 Nov and Executive 18 Nov. In each case within the public domain 1 week earlier.  Headteachers and Chairs of Governors invited to a meeting on Thursday 16 Oct concerning the report to EPP.  Published on the Website on Thursday 16/Friday 17 October.  SG requested that any changes made be reported to Headteachers.

Thorn Park not included in the process – report going to EPP to consider consultation process for this type of pupil.

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Transition Issues (LS): LS recommended that each subgroup extend its timeline to the point of the schools opening to incorporate transition.  Drafts to LS as soon as possible.  HS agreed to examine pupil transition.

Buildings (RM): Template review work ongoing.  Meeting organised with Highways and Planning.  SG – will this meeting impact on transport.  PG – proper systems in place should help relieve some anxieties which parents have.  RM raised again the issue of funding.  MC - The DfES funding announcement crucial before the report goes to Executive.

Vision into Practice (HS): Meeting taken place to look at issues common across the schools.  Next meeting after half-term which will give Health, Social Services, and Early Years more time to look at the pro-forma. 

Building Transition (BD): Meeting Tues 14 October.

HR (SM): Letter and personal details checking sheet going to Temple Bank staff today.

Continued anxiety from nursery staff, particularly those with no union representation in the school. Difficulty in getting the communication balance correct, especially since the proposal was not yet passed by Executive.  PG – important to explain how the process works.  A regular bulletin was suggested but too often could devalue the process. CH – any communications should be forwarded as hard copy due to ICT technical problems at present.

OJC – continued weekly meetings.  Two Special School Headteacher reps on the group.  Most issues at present centred around Temple Bank school.

Trade Union Health and Safety reps keen to be involved with design of the new schools.

It was agreed that the TU Negotiation Key Principles sheet be forwarded to all Special Schools.

Training (CH): Met with Bradford College to dovetail provision within their establishment.

On track to provide a programme for training and development, with the budget completed by half-term.

Next meeting 17 October.

Communications (JW): Headteacher meetings - proposals on scoping promised.  Most frequently asked questions to be answered via the Website. 

Meeting with Early Years postponed to 23 October.

Early Years: Ronnie Hartley not present to update.

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JR – After discussion with her trust, it was agreed that this subgroup should be commissioner led.  JR is a provider.  She will pursue.

HS – 29 Sept HS and CH attended a commissioners’ meeting – very useful and highlighted the need to work more closely together.  Health responses good within consultation but not early enough to influence the ‘lift process’.

It was agreed that clarity was required for the remit of this subgroup.

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PG – The building of the new Special Schools will be part of a large raft of capital development within Bradford.  PG appealed to all in the group to be aware of this as it is hoped that the local labour force will gain the maximum benefit from such projects.

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