Decision details

The Chair welcomed David Graham, Head of Service Special Educational Needs and Disability, to the meeting. He presented a report on the new SEND Service Pathway.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Service was co-producing with parents, carers, children and young people and partner agencies a clear articulation of the support available for children, young people and adults in Lancashire with SEND from 0 to 25 years of age.

The legislative framework could be found within the Children and Families Act 2014 and detailed guidance within the SEND Code of Practice.

The reforms aimed to bring together local health services (clinical commissioning groups) and local authorities to integrate services across the 0-25 age range, and now included Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, intended for those with additional needs that could not be met solely through Special Educational Needs support plans provided by their educational establishment.

The Committee was informed that the population of children in Lancashire with complex needs was growing. Within the SEN Service there was a Portage Service available for 0 – 4 year olds with complex needs. The Portage Service was a home visiting service for pre-school children with significant special educational needs and disabilities. This Portage Service received the most compliments than all the other services within the SEN Service and was much appreciated by the children and parents.

It was stated that in Lancashire there were 27 posts for education psychologists but there were currently only 17 in post. This was due to a national shortage and it was noted that LCC was the first authority to pay for education psychology training places.

It was reported that LCC's Children with Disabilities Social Workers worked proactively with district councils. Where a child was severely disabled, the team would work directly with officers from the district council and occupational therapists around assessment to put together a package of support.

Resolved: That the report be noted.