West Northamptonshire SEND Improvement Board, Summary (29 February 2024)

West Northants SEND Improvement Board Summary 29th February 2024

Outcomes Framework Discussion:

Board discussed inclusion of detailed strategies in the SEF.

Emphasis on readability and accessibility, considering diverse communication channels. 

Agreement to await feedback on Easy Read production from Connected Council team before exploring alternative options.

Accessibility Workstream aims to reach out to children and young people to get the approval of the use of their voices.

West Northants Voices in Partnership Updates:

Overview of WNVP's draft Annual Parent Survey was shared with the board, was agreed to proceed and publicise to all partners.

Discussion on survey alignment with partnership Outcomes Framework and updating the survey to ensure it is accessible and covers all relevant aspects

Data Dashboard:

The volume of requests for assessments continues to rise, particularly for children and young people moving in from outside the county with existing plans.Update required for the next meeting on attainment data, CFSS cases, declined assessment requests, and EHCP timeliness within dashboard.

SEND Funding Project:

Overview of project objectives, public consultation results, and proposed investment given.The second public consultation will take place on 12th March 2024, with the different groups of participants which include education providers, schools and parents to inform them about the changes. 

Short Breaks:

Overview of Short Breaks projects given to board. At all phases engagement with parents, carers, practitioners and children and young people was prioritised during the model development. WNVP, NPCV, WNC, NNC, parents and organisations are also members of the short breaks steering group. 

Many of the actions now implemented are based on people’s voices though co-production process. Key challenge remains securing transport to access the services, further discussions are needed.

Workstream 4 (Training):

The central place for training and development offer is planned go live in Local Offer webpage in March 2024 and a report and scorecard to identify the reach and performance of training will be produced as a part of the workstream model. 

A new framework for SENCo training is to be delivered by Brooke Weston Teaching School Alliance in conjunction with University of Northampton.

Balance System Report:

Better Communication Ltd. has been jointly commissioned by ICB, WNC and NNC to undertake a population analysis of speech, language and communication needs across Northamptonshire.

There are 4 key themes in the report which are Right time, Right support, Right place and Skilled workforce in relation to support children and young people, also increase the confidence of family, partnership and settings to work with them.

SEND Hotline support:

SENCo to be consulted through next networking meeting on the best time to pilot an advice line.

Next Meeting and AOB:

Rescheduling of the next meeting to be in the afternoon to allow all attendees to be present at the IASS CYP Conference.

Update provided on the EHCP recovery plan has begun and improvements to addressing timeliness should be seen shortly.

The contract with Liquid Personnel company is signed.