Issue - meetings

Christy Holden (Head of Strategic Commissioning – Children’s) and Mark Walker (Director of SEND) were in attendance for this item.

Ms Holden introduced the report that outlined the background and rationale for establishing a contractual arrangement for Special Educational Needs provision for Therapies.  The Committee was asked to consider and endorse, or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services on the proposed decision.

In response to questions from Members, it was noted that:

·         The Commission will work with providers and health colleagues to ensure that appropriate standards are in place. The Commission will refer the question regarding shared DBS checks back to SEN service for clarification.

·         The performance indicators for the service will be developed through market engagement to avoid the duplication of performance indicators. It was agreed that the Committee would have sight of these indicators and the opportunity to scrutinize performance once a provider list had been implemented.

RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision of the Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services to:

A)   Implement a Qualified Provider List for Special Educational Needs Therapies provision to fulfil the Council’s responsibilities in meeting the needs identified in a child’s Education, Health and Care Plan.

B)   Delegate decisions about the establishment of the new arrangements to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, or other Officer as instructed by the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education

Mr Brady and Dr Sullivan asked for it to be recorded that they did not support the proposed decision.