Decision details

The Chair of the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board presented the recommendations of the Board, following the Scrutiny Review of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport Models.

The Chair of Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board advised that the Board was aware that all recommendations could not be implemented immediately but hoped to see a gradual improvement in the service with the new provider on board.

In response, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources confirmed, on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Children and Education, that all the recommendations of the review would be fully considered by Cabinet.

Reason for Decision

The recommendations had been identified by the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board in order to address the findings of a scrutiny working group into Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport Models. These recommendations covered matters for Cabinet to consider in relation to the commissioning of SEND Transport at the end of the current extended contract period, matters relating to the longer-term delivery of SEND Transport and other, more general, recommendations on the topic.

Alternative Options Considered

In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, Cabinet was requested to respond to the recommendations of the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board within two months, setting out any approved recommendations and how they would be implemented.

Cabinet could decide not to consider the recommendations of the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board arising from the Scrutiny Review of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Transport, however, any potential service improvements would then not be realised.

Agreed that the response to the findings of the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board be submitted to the Scrutiny Board within two months’ time.