Local Offer Steering Group Meeting Summary (October 2024) - WNC

Local Offer Steering Group Meeting Summary

Attendees: Joanna Bradley (Chair) Kathy Forsdyke, Nicola Stephen, (WNVP), Sharon Blount (NCT) Robin Milner (NCT) Lorraine Flute  (NCT) Chris Barnes WNC SIT (standing in for Lucy Watts) Apologies:Liz Sagi (Adult Social Care) Julia Smith (Local Offer) Ann Wakeling (SSS/LO) Rachel Akers (DCO) Zoe Thompson (IASS) Lucy Watts Susan Kean (Thomas Becket School) Key Points Discussed:

1. Welcome and Introductions:Joanna Bradley welcomed attendees and noted the reduced group size.
2. Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:Induction for new staff is ongoing and effective."You Said, We Did" updates are working well.
3.  Review of Local Offer Annual Report:Overview of the 2023-2024 report provided.Suggestions for improving graphical data representation and adding comments on Phase 3 developments.Discussion on responsiveness to local needs and inviting new provisions to register.
4. Phase 3 Developments:Reminder sent to the Digital Team; no timescale provided.Temporary resolution for postcode issue and pilot scheme for AI Virtual Assistant.
5. Data Reports:Social Media targets met; focus on increasing rural area followers.Website traffic analysis showed equal mobile and PC usage.West SEND news magazine distribution increased
6. 6. 2024 Audit Data:Audit slower due to new technology; significant data edits made. Early Years provision updates pending Family Information Services Directory launch.
7.  Formal Feedback:Decision needed on content retention duration on the website.Proposal to archive older feedback and seek partner opinions
8. Registration logApplications are reviewed individually, with some deemed inappropriate (e.g., universal, adult, generic training).The Local Offer team does not actively seek new providers but adds relevant content from social media, email, and partners. Providers are encouraged to complete the registration form for permission.Sharon emphasized the importance of partners sharing knowledge of the Local Offer to ensure families and service providers are aware of it. It was noted that being listed on the Local Offer benefits providers by increasing the take-up of their services. A Local Offer awareness campaign was proposed by Sharon. Rob suggested that the Local Offer should attend the Early Help Intervention Partnership.
9. Content for West SEND Newsletter and Social Media:Partners are encouraged to send content for social media and newsletters to the Local Offer.Kathy requested an article about DCSO, CWD, and the MIA team for the spring edition, with content needed by the first week of January 2025.Health partners are invited to contribute to the summer edition, with content needed by April 2025.A campaign around transitions (e.g., being school-ready, moving schools, preparing for adulthood) to be proposed for spring/summer.
10. Any Other Business:Shooting Stars are planning media about adulthood, including videos of positive role models, which can be shared via Local Offer communications. Videos are an effective format for young people.Proposal for a large-scale event for schools/settings to raise awareness, suggested by Sue Kean.Jo noted that such events require careful planning and will raise the idea with the SEND Improvement Board.The Assistant Director for Education is planning a conference-style event for schoolsThe Group was asked to review the Training Tile content and provide feedback. Annual Survey:The inaugural survey will close at the end of October 2024, with 76 responses received so far.
11. Next Meetings:February 25, 2025 and June 3, 2025