Issue - meetings

The Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 10^th June 2019 considered the Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP) Task Group Report (Minute *121 refers) which covered the process of applying for and producing an EHCP in Devon.  The task group had been established to respond to concerns over not meeting the statutory timescales in completing and issuing EHCPs. 

It is to be noted that some of the task groups recommendations had already been included in the Written Statement of Action and were therefore being progressed.

The Children’s Scrutiny Committee subsequently resolved that the Task Group report and recommendations be endorsed and commended to the Cabinet.

Recommendations

a) that the Children’s Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its Task Group Report and the recommendations are noted;

b) that Cabinet also note the current work being undertaken in the Written Statement of Action which already includes most of the task groups recommendations; and

(b) that the relevant Cabinet Member and Chief Officer for Children’s Services take forward the Report and progress subject to available resources, engaging other partners, stakeholders and contractors as necessary.

(Councillors Biederman, Dewhirst and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet noted that the Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 10^th June 2019 considered the Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP) Task Group Report (Minute *121 refers) which covered the process of applying for and producing an EHCP in Devon.  The Task Group had been established to respond to concerns over not meeting the statutory timescales in completing and issuing EHCPs. 

Cabinet further noted that some of the task groups recommendations had already been included in the Written Statement of Action and were therefore being progressed.

The Children’s Scrutiny Committee subsequently resolved that the Task Group report and recommendations be endorsed and commended to the Cabinet.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hart, SECONDED by Councillor McInnes and

RESOLVED

a) that the Children’s Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its Task Group Report and the recommendations be noted;

b) that Cabinet also note the current work being undertaken in the Written Statement of Action which already includes most of the task group’s recommendations; and

(b) that the relevant Cabinet Member and Chief Officer for Children’s Services take forward the Report and progress subject to available resources, engaging other partners, stakeholders and contractors as necessary.

Task Group Report, attached.

The Committee considered the Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP) Task Group Report, which covered the process of applying for and producing an EHCP in Devon, which put the needs of the child or young person at the centre of all decisions.  The task group had been created to respond to concerns around the Council and local partners not meeting the statutory 20-week timescale in completing and issuing EHCPs. 

The task group had sought to ensure that the recommendations contained within the report were based on evidence collected from all witnesses and was confident that with collaboration they were realistic within the timeframe specified.  They were pleased that some of their recommendations had already been included in the Written Statement of Action and were being actioned.

It was believed that now was the opportunity for the Council to improve outcomes and experiences for all children and young people with SEN in Devon Schools, and that by working closely with local partners in a collaborative and cohesive way, the ambitions set out within the report could be achieved.

The Committee extended their thanks to all those involved in the production of such a comprehensive report.

It was MOVED by Councillor Aves, SECONDED by Councillor Sellis and

RESOLVED that the Task Group report and recommendations be endorsed and commended to the Cabinet.