Agenda item

(Report by Mr M Whiting, Cabinet Member, Education, Learning and Skills and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director, Education, Learning & Skills)

1.               Members considered the report and made comments and asked questions  that included the following:-

a)    It was suggested that there should be targets set for SEN using benchmarking.

b)    It was considered that SEN transport costs should be reduced.

c)     A Member questioned why the wide gap for Kent pupils receiving Free School Meals was so wide from the national average.  

d)    In response to a question, Mr Leeson advised that incomplete work on the SEN Review would be incorporated into the Review and then form part of the Draft SEND Strategy would be available in Spring 2013.

2.               RESOLVED that:-

a)              the information given in response to comments and questions by Members be noted;

b)              the issues identified in the Scoping Paper attached to the Report be noted;

c)               the framework for the review and the development of a  Special Education Needs and Disabilities Strategy for the children and young people of Kent be endorsed; and

d)              the outcomes of the review and a draft SEND Strategy be submitted to the Committee in Spring 2013.