West Northamptonshire SEND & AP Partnership Improvement Board Summary (22 May 2024)

SEND & AP Partnership Improvement Board Summary (22 May 2024)

Chaired by the interim chair, Stuart Lackenby (Executive Director of People and DCS interim) of WNC.

Ofsted Report & Response:

• Ofsted and CQC Inspection report delayed with no explanation yet as to the reasons why. Press releases ready, awaiting report publication. 
• The Department for Education (DfE) are also chasing the publication of the report.
• The board will focus on sharing high-level messages and priorities for improvement once report is available (as it the contents remains embargoed until publication). 
• The high-level improvement priorities algin with the priorities already identified as a SEND Partnership and are outlined in the co-produced Self-Evaluation Framework. 
• Next steps: Share the report and priorities as soon as available, develop and share the detailed action plans across the partnership, plan deep dives, gather feedback.

Workstream Overviews:

Accessibility - Need for strategic decision-makers in workstream, improving feedback mechanisms and addressing demands and capacity.

Resources - Attendance challenges, need for improved alignment with data workstream and increased senior leader involvement.

Identification & Assessment - Large, well-attended workstream with the closest alignment to key areas for improvement. The workstream requires careful consideration for structure and KPIs.

Training - The workstream has changed and evolved considerably since formation and will now have a strong focus on mainstream schools and training development.

Alternative Provision - This is reported as productive, multi-agency, and well-attended workstream with much work underway. In order to improve, the workstream would benefit from increased social care presence.

Preparation for Adulthood - The area for improvement is vast and although much work is underway, there is a need for dedicated post to lead in this critical area.

Data - Data workstream faces some Information Governance challenges but, is working on integrated intelligence to help inform other workstreams.

Future Governance and Structure of the Workstreams/SEND Improvement Board:

Independent chair appointment ongoing and news will be shared regarding any appointment as soon as possible.

Proposal suggests -

• A new title for the board of: The SEND and AP Partnership Board.
• There should be a Children & Young Person’s SEND Improvement board for formal participation group representatives to be able to raise their challenges and key issues at a strategic level.
• That the partnership streamline SEND governance with four key workstreams that will align to priority action plans.
• Clear Terms of Reference (TOR), and capacity constraints will be considered as part of the restructure to ensure that every level of governance has clear accountability and scope.
• Transformation plan with £1.35m investment and 34 new, permanent posts was approved by Cabinet on 7th May.

Local Offer Annual Report:

• The annual report for the Local Offer was shared with questions invited.
• Following the launch of the new West Local Offer last summer, ongoing feedback is being sought and considered for continual improvement.
• The Local Offer website received a Silver award for accessibility.
• Cross-sharing of information and events with partners occurs through social media and attendance of events in order to continually increase presence.
• The board recommended a need for clear governance and decision-making together with a more timely review of the upcoming annual report.

Short Breaks Update:

• Action for Children have been confirmed as the new provider for short breaks starting 1st November 2024.
• Information sessions for parent/carers are scheduled from June.