Issue - meetings

1.    Mr Adams introduced the report.

2.    Further to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

·         There were concerns that some older buildings may not be suitable for accessibility improvements, and that resources could be insufficient in some areas.

·         Although the number of consultation responses were low, 750 people viewed the webpage and the Strategy was downloaded 200 times.

·         There would be a need for additional staff and facilities to implement the Strategy, some elements were reliant upon unsecured funding.

·         Once the Strategy was fully implemented, children with SEN could potentially excel in subjects that they previously could not access.

3.    RESOLVED to endorse the proposed decision, namely:

That the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agree to:

(a)    Approve the adoption and implementation of the Education Accessibility Strategy 2025-28

(b)    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Children’s, Young People and Education, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to refresh and/or make revisions to the Strategy where changes do not require additional governance.

(c)     Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Children’s, Young People and Education to take relevant actions, including but not limited to, entering into and finalising the terms of relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary, to implement the above decision.