The report of the Strategic Director of Children’s Services (Document “AE”) presents an overview of the education provision for children in care who have not accessed their education provision through mainstream (including special school) settings during the past 12 months. This includes children who may have accessed remote provision during the COVID crisis and those post 16 who are not in education, employment or training.

Recommended –

The report is for information only.

(Jonathan Cooper - 01274 436401)

The report of the Strategic Director of Children’s Services (Document “AE”) presented an overview of the education provision for children in care who had not accessed their education provision through mainstream (including special school) settings during the past 12 months. This included children who may have had accessed remote provision during the COVID crisis and those post 16 who were not in education, employment or training.  It was noted that since September 2020 the number of children not in education had reduced significantly from 3.9% to 2.5%.  Protocols had been put in place with the Admissions Team, the SEND Team and social workers so that cases were processed quickly.  Overall the number of Children in Care had increased but those not in education had reduced.  It was noted that a significant amount of Pupil Premium Plus was allocated to support children who are not in education with 1:1 tuition. The number of post 16 who were Not in Education or Employment (NEET) had decreased over the last 3 years and was 5.3% in November 2020 which represented 2 children.  It was reported that 64% of Children in Care continued to attend school during the second lockdown.

Members questioned the Virtual School Head and responses were given:

·         How do you work with schools that are academies?

o   Engagement with schools had been positive.  There had been no requirement to direct any school to take a child.  Links with the Bradford diocese and BDAT were good.

·         What was the pressure on places going forward?

o   There was always pressure for specialist school places.  3 independent Special schools had been opened the local area, 2 of which were in the district and this had reduced pressure on places.  Oastlers school had increased its capacity.

·         Regarding children out of area, how many other authorities do we deal with and is there a particular problem with one or is it a cluster?

o   Difficulties are sometimes experienced with particular local authorities.  Some have struggled with capacity in their teams because of Covid but they have been short tern issues.  Most children are in neighbouring authorities.

·         Those 16 – 17 year olds who are NEET is below 10% but the figure of 17 – 18 year olds is disappointing, what are the reasons for this?

o   Young people successfully transition onto a course but then become disengaged if the course is not what they expected.  Support is provided through Connexions in year 11 and a priority in the strategy is to have a similar level of support in year 12.

·         Has the number of children waiting for an EHCP become worse because of Covid?

o   This is a success story and the SEND team have been focussed on reducing the timescale for providing an EHCP and are now 85% compliant compared to the national average of 65%

Resolved –

(1)  That the Virtual School Head be thanked for the report and its contents and that members look forward to further reductions in the number of children in care who are not in education pre and post 16.

(2)   That a further report be presented to the Panel in 12  months.

ACTION: Strategic Director of Children’s Services