West Northants SEND Improvement Board, Summary (21 March 2024)

SEND Improvement Board, Summary (21 March 2024)

West Northants Voices in Partnership Updates:

• Parent/carer survey nearing finalisation, there is just a filmed introduction to complete.
• The parent career forum’s new website launch is imminent. Partnership feedback on the website would be much appreciated. 

Data Dashboard:

• The latest partnership data dashboard was shared and the board discussed various data trends and challenges.
• The number of requests for Statutory Assessments continues to increase and there are notable increases in the number of pupils with SEMH and SCLN needs.
• The partnership agreed explore further triangulation of Early Help notification data to increase understanding of outcomes.
• The Board agreed to widen the membership to further include additional colleague from Adults Social Care and Public Health.
• Learning is to be taken from tribunal application reasons and complaint themes to shape future practice.
• Innovative data models are in the very early stages of being tested in order to improve partnership data sharing/analysis in a format that is live and intuitive.
• This will help the partnership identify children’s needs and improve long-term outcomes.

Transport Delivery Update:

• Midway point of the consultation on Post-16 transport review for which the closing date has been extended to 17th April 2024.
• Proposed changes and engagement with stakeholders was discussed including significant feedback from the parent carer forum.
• Notable changes include the annual charge per academic year from £600 to £1,000.
• Results of the consultation will help refine the policy before it is submitted to Cabinet in May. 

SALT and ASD/ADHD Updates: 

• Current pressures and the improvement plans for the Speech & Language Therapy Service were discussed including staff investment and alignment to the SEND Ranges.
• Priorities for Children & Young People’s Neurodiversity Workstream were outlined.
• Improvement plans aim to address safer waiting and holistic support that meets children and young people’s needs, not just a diagnosis. 

Outcomes Framework:

• The outcomes framework needs to be reviewed by all partners to include measures or impact which the partnership will come together on the 17th April for a finalisation session.
• It was agreed that SEND Improvement Board would review its effectiveness and working arrangements at the April board meeting.