Agenda item

The Panel received a report which outlined the progress made in delivering the Haringey SEND and Alternative Provision Local Plan during the period April-July 2024. The Panel received an update on the outcome of the CQC/Ofsted SEND inspection at its last meeting. This report was a further update to the Panel, and provided an opportunity to ask questions. It was noted that Haringey Ofsted/CQC SEND inspection took place in January 2024 and resulted in Haringey achieving the highest grade for SEND service. The report was introduced by Mary Jarrett, Head of Integrated SEND as set out in the agenda pack at pages 7-32. The Director of Children’s Services was also present for this item, along with the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families. The following arose during the discussion of this item:

a.    The Panel sought clarification about the liquid logic system and what the costs were of procuring it. In response officers advised that Liquid Logic was a recording system, which provided a more modern way of recording cases and was an upgrade from the previous Mosaic system. The system was used by both Children and Adults. Officers advised that the cost would be set out in the Cabinet report. Philip agreed to circulate the Cabinet report to the Panel. (Action: Philip).

b.    The Panel asked how children with speech and language needs were identified and where they get referred to. In response, officers advised that speech and language needs tended to get picked up either through early years settings, through the two-year health visitor check or parents would refer their child themselves. The speech and language service screened any referrals and offered pathways of support to that child. The service also offered outreach speech and language therapy at family hubs.  

c.    A co-opted member of the panel welcomed the progress that had been made around SEND provision over the last two years and advised that she had previously spoken to the Panel about her concerns in this area. It was commented that whilst there had been improvements in a number of areas, some parents may feel that their experience was not reflected in the outcome of the inspection report. It was commented that the key factor in achieving this improvement was the concerted effort made to co-production and parent/family involvement. The co-opted member praised the role of SEND stakeholder groups and the Haringey Education Partnership in helping to achieve an improvement.

d.    In response to a question, officers advised that under priority 5 of the SEND strategy, there was a supported internship programme. Following on from the safety Valve programme, it was hoped that the number of internships could be raised to 97. It was acknowledged that there was a lot of work to do get there and that a key facet of the offer had to be that there was a job available at the end of it.

e.    In response to a question about children who suffered from emotionally based school avoidance, officers responded that there was a conference held in June on this topic and it was acknowledged that the Council’s offer for supported internships had to be different for those children.  

RESOLVED

That the report was noted.