Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

These were accepted as a true record.

PG – Primary Heads have requested that a representative sit on the Steering Group. PG to liaise with Pauline Anderson – Primary Head Convenor, to nominate. Secondary Heads are represented through BSF. JW suggested that special school heads be represented on the BSF Project Group.

PG requested that Denise Faulconbridge, Education Bradford be added to the Steering Group circulation list. Denise is the newly appointed Access and Inclusion Director, Education Bradford.

BSF Pathfinder Update (PG)

PG reported from the National Conference – Launch of Partnerships for Schools at which David Miliband confirmed that the issue of affordability will not inhibit developments. The decision should be made before the summer recess of Parliament. Phase 2 decision more likely to be September.

Work to continue on visits to schools, communication events, including the one organised by JW for September which will comprise Phase 2 secondary schools and special/primary co-located mainstream schools. JW also reported that links are being made with partners/other areas of the Council such as the PCT, libraries, sports/recreation and to allow for the inclusion of all in the event it was agreed that an evening sessions was more appropriate in September.

MC stated that despite the hold-up and the 15 months procurement process with the private partner, work can begin/continue on such aspects as planning permission and the detailed design of schools.

Timescales for Primary and Secondary Builds

MC stated that the Council has the capital budget to build the primary special schools for September 2006 ahead of the secondaries. They could be built ahead of the procurement process. The final decision will have to be made by September 2004; there would not be any need to consult, this being the original timescale. It is recognised that further discussion will have to take place within sub-groups to consider the implications but initial comments were requested. PG highlighted a number of issues:

	Pupil transition – the need to move twice in 2 years. Pupils should be considered on an individual basis according to what is best for them.
	For those pupils who do not want to move twice in 2 years, the possibility of leaving some schools open and running alongside the new schools. The Transition subgroup needs to meet to consider.
	Building, staff and training issues arising from the above.
	All age schools and Lister Lane need to be considered in detail in relation to pupil transition.
	How will EYCS be affected in relation to Children’s Centres. RH – this would work better from their point of view.

Discussion:

	GB – has enough of the Targeted Capital Fund (TCF) been identified for the 3 schools. From visits to new builds, £5m per school may not be sufficient. If more funding was required this would be addressed in the Council.
	It is considered to be realistic and deliverable though as building costs rise and the timescale has extended there are potential implications for funding which will be considered at the time of bidding for TC.
	PG - Generally agreed that the key issue is the pupils. If it is an identifiable benefit to them the early build should go ahead.
	MB/SM from HR sub-group:

- important to maintain staff morale – will this be the case for those who remain in the old schools with poor buildings?

- Assimilation must be seen to be fair and equitable

- Recruitment and retention issues

- Funding already committed for primary schools

- Positive aspects ie the timescale will be maintained, staff knowledge of school placement earlier, enhancement of personal/professional development

- Responses from the recent consultation with staff:

- 655 distributed with 379 responses

- broad indications that staff want to remain with the same age range, although more recent evidence indicating a shift towards primary

- travelling time considered to be very important

- generally, no strong preference for or against any particular school

- some staff had indicated they would wish to retire subject to an “appealing/suitable” package being available

	GB stated that the staff issue was also key to the decision. Their morale must be maintained to ensure the continuation of the high quality education in special schools.
	MB added the point that staff left in the old schools may find difficulty in being placed once the school is closed.
	OFSTED would need to be informed if this phased movement was in place.
	BF – new building projects should be good marketing for R & R.

BD – buildings far less of an issue than pupils and staff. Assumption that all old primary schools would close. If some remain open, is it feasible in terms of curriculum, staffing and resources?

	LA – In terms of Health, it will compound the difficulties (more sites to cover) of providing an adequate service.
	It was agreed that the complexities of the issue meant that seeking parental views was not appropriate at this time.

MC requested that sub-groups consider the early build of primary special schools in terms of:

	possible advantage to primary pupils against disadvantage to secondary pupils;
	considering the complexities, is it an efficient use of personnel time.

Groups to report back to the next Steering Group Meeting (date now changed to 23 July).

SEN Review and Consultation Update (CH)

Concerning DSP, Holy Family Catholic School has agreed to host ASD from September 04. Challenge School has formally agreed to host Speech and Language provision. High Crags Primary has agreed to formally consult on Speech and Language. New S & L provision from September 05. Still looking for a host for primary ASD in the S/E of the District.

Two papers going to EPP on 22 July:

	Results on Deaf Provision Consultation and models for future deaf provision.
	Update on learning support service review.

Steering Group Sub-group Updates

LS asked sub-groups to consider special school governor representation. JH (EB, Governor Service) stated that contact can be maintained through minutes of Steering Group and other forms of communication.

It was agreed that sub-groups should consider governor reps able to act as consultants, though their role would not be linked to a specific school perspective.

Vision into Practice (CH) – Summary sheet of school visits to be presented to the group Monday, 21 June. DfES consultation on new Buildings Bulletin due out. ‘Inside information’ indicates that provision for Health and related facilities look good. GB to check with JW for photos from Kingsdale visit. PG commented that Bradford was held in high regard by the DfES in its preparations for SEN Reorganisation.

Training (CH) – Common training day for special schools scheduled for November and February. Health very welcome to attend. Continuing to work with Leeds University and Bradford College for training/support. Awaiting the publication of the Statutory Notices before working together across the Phases.

Buildings Transition (BD) – VI service and Temple Bank ongoing.

HR (SM) – Taking to OJC the suggestion to ring fence vacancies created in special schools for special school staff. PG – a procedure required for informing staff of vacancies.

Communications (LS) – Looking at ways to help, in response to request from parents, on how to cope with children in their teens, particularly those with autism. Suggestions to LS.

Work on the Roadshow is ongoing and to be piloted in Lapage Primary. Sarah Nicholson (Education Client Team) is the contact.

Jill Burghardt continuing to investigate best practice in Inclusion. Please forward ideas to Jill/Liz. Schemes to be published on the Website.

Early Years (RH) – Last meeting not well attended and most discussion deferred to next meeting. Guardhouse and Heaton Primaries keen to be involved in Early Year provision and suggested their sites for Steering Group meetings. Consultation about changing the age range to 2+ years going to all special schools, primaries, nurseries and interested groups.

Health (LS) – The sub-group has not met recently but work continuing. Propose to meet with all stakeholders, later in the year, for moving forward special school provision. Request for assistance from Education for funding. LA to discuss with colleagues the figure required. CH – the need to develop a model of commissioning.

Proposed new pilot around pupils from Temple Bank with low vision to inform the Partnership schools.

City PCT agreed to support the Parents Link.

Date and time of next meeting

The next meeting has been moved to 23 July, 10.30 am at Future House. (16 July meeting cancelled).

Minutes of last meeting and matters arising

BSF Pathfinder Update (PG)

Timescales for Primary and Secondary Builds

SEN Review and Consultation Update (CH)

Steering Group Sub-group Updates

Date and time of next meeting

Minutes of the SEN Reorganisation Steering Group

18 June 2004, 10.30 am

Future House