Resolved –

This Council notes:

The excellent news that the recent SEND consultation has found new sites for dedicated SEND provision and celebrates the excellent work currently being done by those working at existing SEND dedicated provision.

That finding suitable sites and sponsors for dedicated SEND provision is not an easy or quick process, but is vital to achieve given the growing population in the Bradford District and the growing need for SEND provision as seen nationally.

That research done by Educational Psychologists amongst other professionals discovered that children need a minimum of 8-10 hours’ sleep per night, as well as valuable out-of-school activities, in order to function to their utmost capability and that long journeys to and from school are likely to disrupt this.

The Local Authority is not allowed by Government to build its own provision and has no influence about where any new SEND schools are located, so the authority is constrained in how much it can improve on this statistic.

A comprehensive review of SEND places, involving parents has been undertaken in the last year resulting in the local authority adding places to existing schools wherever necessary.

It is widely acknowledged after almost a decade of government cuts that there is a national SEND funding crisis. The Local Government Association estimates councils in England face a SEND funding gap of up to £1.6 billion by 2021.

This Council resolves to:

Continue working to ensure the best possible transport provision for those children with SEND who need it, while also working to support and promote independent sustainable travel for other children whom that would benefit.

Task the Strategic Director for Children’s Services to continue working with parents and representative groups to keep provision constantly under review, identifying any further improvements to be made.

Call on government to address the SEND funding crisis by providing substantial additional funds to match the levels of need so that children with SEND can access the best possible education and achieve the best possible outcomes.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Children’s Services