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Minutes of the Last Meeting

These were accepted as a true record.

Matters arising

Item 4 – SOC training session delayed until possibly 25 March.

BSF Pathfinder Update (PG/JW/MC)

Positive meetings taken place with DfES on funding/affordability. Funding announcement now expected on 13 February by the Prime Minister. LEA to look at affordability figures with the help of forensic accountants.

Encouraging soundings from the DfES in relation to the crucial timescale for funding/proposals to SOC.

DfES keen to co-operate with press/media strategy for the next phase. Possibility of involving pupils from mainstream/special schools in photography comparing existing schools with the new designs.

JW:

· organising exhibition of exemplar designs to which all members of the group and HTs of secondary and special schools be invited.

· Science Museum developing idea of science studios as opposed to science labs. Being asked to give a presentation in Bradford to which science teachers will be invited.

JW reassured NS that provision will be made for medical facilities within the exemplar designs. NS also commented that these facilities need to be available in mainstream schools. PG and MC further commented that the designs were not blueprints but instead were guides, allowing for flexibility to include other facilities as required.

SEN Review and Consultation Update (CH)

Two reports going to EPP Thursday 29 January:

	review of learning support services;
	review of DSP.

The deaf provision consultation delayed by 1 week – now commencing 26 January. Forms distributed to over 1200 people. 16 meetings arranged over Feb/March after which report to be taken back to EPP in the summer term.

Subgroup Updates

Buildings (RM) – Nothing to update.

Vision into Practice (CH)

	Visits now being made to new build special schools.
	Arrangement made for architect to attend Vision group to consider what is realistic.
	DfES has been very active and helpful with the process.

General agreement that discussions need to take place with mainstream colleagues to avoid duplication of facilities. SG/GB agreed to look into the practicalities of who would be involved in the discussions with co-located sites.

Buildings Transition (BD) – Met with staff of Temple Bank on 12 January.

HR (MB) – Subgroup last met on 14 January – poorly attended and agenda carried forward to the next meeting.

Comment from OJC - staff not immediately assimilated not accommodated for in the draft timeline. Any further comments received will be reported back to the next meeting.

Training (CH) – Meeting with Leeds University re severe learning difficulties training.

PG questioned about the mainstream staff element. CH – this was on hold until after Phase 1.

MC confirmed that discussions were well in advance in terms of budgeting for training and HR with the Finance Strategy Group.

Communications (JW) – After half term further Headteacher and Governor meetings, including special school/co-located Headteacher meetings re design.

Newsletter/bulletin for staff in special and co-located mainstream schools at present being worked on by LS. One copy will also to be sent to every Bradford school.

EYCS (MM) – nothing to report - not met since the last Steering Group meeting.

Health (LA)

	About to finish the mapping exercise.
	Arranging a “think tank” for early May to look at current provision and how this can be continued on the new sites.
	In Autumn - to work on identifying gaps in the service.

The subgroup anxious to flag up the anticipated difficulty of delivering supported provision in the mainstream.

AOB

PG – planning meeting this pm to fix a date for the potential partners meeting organised by JW.

Date and time of next meeting

It was agreed to cancel the next meeting on 6 February. The group will next meet on 27 February, 10.30, City Hall.