Decision Details

Following the recent Ofsted/CQC SEND Revisit, there is a need to undertake significant transformation in the Education and Skills Directorate in relation to how SEND Services are delivered. At the same time, there is also a need to re-evaluate the delivery model of the whole directorate and to ensure that it is fit for purpose to deliver services to children for the next decade and beyond, in particular as we respond to the impact of COVID on children and young people in Birmingham and work with the DfE appointed Commissioner.

Funds are therefore requested in order to do three things:

• to spearhead improvement of SEND services currently being delivered
• to review the current delivery model for SEND within BCC and decide whether this is the right one or whether there is a need to adapt this
• to review and improve the delivery model for the whole directorate to ensure it is fit for purpose

In addition, there is a request for funding to allow for the continuation of transformation activity in the Travel Assist service in the interim period before it becomes part of an Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) and in order to allow for a smooth transition to the ITU.

• Revenue in excess of £500k

• Significant effect on communities in two or more wards

On 12 October 2021, Cabinet:-

(i)     Approved the release of £7.607m from the Delivery Plan Reserve to fund the proposals set out in the report with the final decision on the posts created to be delegated to the DCS in consultation with the Cabinet Member of Vulnerable Children and Families and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources;

(ii)     Noted that this is likely the first part of a funding request that could total in the region of £12m (including those requested in this paper). This will be brought back to Cabinet for further discussion in early 2022 with a detailed business case and plan and will at this stage be informed by the recommendations made by the SEND Commissioner;

(iii)    Noted that there is currently an exercise underway led by CIPFA to ascertain if the High Needs Block underspend can be re-allocated to SEND transformation. If it is found that this is possible, some of these funds will be used for this purpose, and the amount drawn down from the Delivery Plan Reserve will be reduced accordingly;

(iv)    Noted the progress made on the SEND Improvement Programme since the May 2021 Revisit.

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MONDAY 18 OCTOBER 2021.