Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Sandwell Council House, Oldbury. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services 

Items
No. Item

1/21

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E A Giles, Hughes and McVittie; and co-opted members K Heeley, K Kujawa-Sogbesan and C Ward-Lewis.

2/21

Declarations of Interest

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest made.

3/21

Scrutiny Review of SEND Transport Models pdf icon PDF 265 KB

To consider the findings of the Scrutiny Review of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport Models and identify any recommendations arising.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

At its meeting on 2 August 2021 the Children’s Services and Education Scrutiny Board had agreed to undertake a review into Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport Models (see Minute No. 23/21). A scoping document was agreed and a cross-party Working Group, including members of the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board had been established to carry out this review.

 

It was acknowledged that the Review needed to be carried out at pace in order to ensure suitable transport provision could be procured by February 2022, when the current interim arrangements would cease. To this end, the Chair of the Scrutiny Board directed the members of the Working Group to each take responsibility for a specific workstream that had been identified in the scope of the Review. Members carried out a range of research including collating data from local, regional and national sources; speaking to a range of officers and stakeholders (including parents and school staff); and liaising with other local authorities.

 

Members’ findings had been discussed by the working group and had resulted in a range of recommendations. The Board discussed and agreed recommendations across three broad categories – matters pertaining to contracting of SEND Transport in February 2022 following the end of the existing interim arrangements, longer-term considerations and general matters. These would be reported to the Cabinet for consideration at the earliest opportunity.

 

The Chair placed on record her appreciation for the way in which members had supported the review in an efficient manner in the face of challenging timescales. She also expressed her gratitude to the officers who had supported the review. Members also spoke about the positive way in which the Chair had lead the review.

 

In response to comments about SEND Transport contract issues surrounding DBS checks in Birmingham City Council, officers reiterated the advice provided at the Board’s meeting on 23 August 2021 (Minute No 26/21 refers) on the additional measures in place in Sandwell that prevented the same issues happening locally through officers checking DBS reports directly. The Board was also advised that these checks were carried out annually and the Council was also informed about any reportable matters relating to drivers during the year so that appropriate action could be taken if necessary.

 

         Resolved:-

 

(1)  That the Director – Law and Governance arrange for the following recommendations to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration:

 

(a) That the Cabinet reviews the administration of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Transport to ensure consistency of approach and that resourcing is adequate in light of increasing demand on the service.

(b) That the Cabinet ensures that the Parent Group for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is communicated and consulted with on any changes to the Transport service and, where possible, the views of affected children and young people are also sought.

(c) That the Cabinet ensures that Education Health Care Plan assessments are carried out without delay to ensure early identification of recommended provision, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Transport  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3/21