Minutes of the SEN Reorganisation Steering Group

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These were accepted as a true record.

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No matters arising.

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LS asked for comments concerning involving parents within subgroups.  CH replied by stating that a recommendation from EPP yesterday was to work as closely as possible with parents in the process.  JL agreed  - involvement at every stage could help give parents reassurance that the existing good service will be furthered after reorganisation.  LA agreed to parents attending the Health subgroup.  MB has reservations about membership on the HR subgroup and suggested keeping them informed through a newsletter.

It was agreed that subgroup leaders consider how best to engage with parents.

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Ministerial announcement not yet made.  Another meeting of the FM Task group has taken things forward, although certain facilities such as catering and ICT still to debate.  The next meeting 3 November.  Hoping to make recommendations to current schools by end of November.  Special School HT rep is Janet Taylor and Lister Lane Chair of Governors, as a physiotherapist, represents Health.

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CH reported that the paper taken to EPP yesterday was endorsed and will be taken forward to Education Overview and Scrutiny and Executive with just 4/5 recommendations:

MC enquired about discrete provision relating to ASD.  CH confirmed this.  SG asked if the schools would be able to accommodate all the recommendations.  CH reassured her.  SG commented that the meeting for Special School HTs was very worthwhile before EPP.  CH stated that HTs will be invited to a further meeting.

LS asked subgroups to note additional recommendations (particularly concerning MLD and ASD) during sub-group meetings.

Review of DSP – meeting taken place already with more scheduled after half term.  Report going to EPP in January.  Learning Support Service – review to be completed before Christmas and paper to EPP also in January.  The review of deaf provision to begin in November with a paper going to EPP before the end of the Spring term with detailed proposals.

MC congratulated all those concerned with taking the report to the EPP, particularly CH, HS and LS.

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Buildings (RM)  Will be in contact with the Unions in November concerning health and safety representation on the Buildings subgroup.

Vision into Practice (CH)  Continued to work on specifications.  Comments being received from Health - final date 4 November.  The DfES are working with architects for template designs of special schools.  These should be available by spring/summer next year.  CH suggested visits to sites in other areas of the country.

Building Transition (BD) Meeting last week at Bolling to consider further what was necessary for transition.  School Closure Booklet contents sheet tabled.  BD explained that the booklet was essentially for HTs.  BD asked for comments/volunteers to work with him on this.

HR (SM) SM thanked the group for the constructive comments concerning communication issues and a possible bulletin. 

Discussion with John Hesketh (Governor Service) has enabled the group to complete the action plan -  SM to pass to LS.

OJC meeting – useful discussion taken place concerning processes for the assimilation of staff. 

SG enquired about the timing of the establishment of temporary Governing Bodies.  SM replied that they will not have powers until after formal publication of the proposals and the process has been approved by SOC.  SG further commented that anxiety and stress with staff was already manifesting itself through absenteeism and job applications and that appointments made to the new schools by Sept 2005 would be helpful.

Training (CH)  A training programme paper was tabled by CH who began by thanking members of the subgroup for the work done so far.  Main points made by CH:

·        Training and support heavily dependent upon the continuation of the Standards Fund

·        Team Teach costs not yet secured

·        Type of training, approximate costs and potential providers highlighted

·        Further work required with the Health Authorities; meeting in November to take things forward

·        More work still necessary

MC enquired about the Team Teaching costs.  CH replied with an estimate of £5,000 per year.

RH – could Team Teach and Safehands be used to develop the training and expertise for behaviour management.

JL asked that training in mainstream also be considered to capitalise on the development of co-located sites.  CH - professional development programmes are already being run but until the location of the new schools were known this was not possible.

Communications (LS) The website is just about ready to run.  Request to all subgroup leaders to generate a website piece comprising a group focus, brief remit (including transition implications) and progress update and add anything extra, if required, for a bulletin to schools.  Deadline: 7 November to LS/JW.

LS also reported on ideas for a short, medium and long-term communication strategy:

LS agreed to pass briefing papers on to LA for Health meetings and bulletins.

Early Years (RH)  Next meeting 13 November and thereafter a series of meetings scheduled up to the New Year.  Timeline being developed with Early Years and Education Bradford.  Paper to EPP in January concerning the ways forward.

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LA arranging a meeting with JR.  Agreed to make Health a subgroup.  Possibility of  subgroup meetings before the Steering Group in City Hall.  Booking arrangements passed to LA.

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None

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Please note - the meeting on 7 November has been cancelled.  Next meeting: 21 November, 10.30, City Hall.