PRESENT: – Councillor T Foster in the Chair.
Councillors Collinson (Vice-Chair), Evison, Godfrey, and Mumby-Croft.
Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr G Marsden (Church Representative) and Mr S Milner and P Whittaker (Parent Governor Representatives).
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
437 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS, AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) - Cllrs Evison and Godfrey declared personal interests on item 4 on the agenda ('All Our Children' North Lincolnshire Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) - minute 440 refers) as they were School Governors. Mr Milner and Mrs Whittaker declared personal interests on the same item as they were School Governors and also parents/guardians of children with SEND. Cllr Collinson declared a personal interest on the same item as he had a relative who worked in children's services.
No whip was declared.
438 MINUTES - Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 21 November 2017 and 12 December 2017, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chairman.
439 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK- There were no requests received.
440 'ALL OUR CHLIDREN' NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY (SEND) – The Chairman welcomed Darren Chaplin, Head of Access and Inclusion, to the meeting. The Chairman explained that Darren had been invited to discuss the SEND Inclusion Plan 'All Our Children' 2017-20, and the SEND Annual Report 2016/17. Darren gave a detailed presentation on the Inclusion Plan, describing the overall vision and strategy, the strategic framework for improving outcomes, and future key priorities and commissioning intentions. It was confirmed that the SEND vision and strategy for the next four years had been influenced and formed by the voice of children, young people and their families, and also by partner organisations across North Lincolnshire. Darren also discussed the 2016/17 Annual Report, including discussing some key achievements throughout the year.
Members asked relevant questions throughout, such as transition to new Education, Health and Care Plans, funding, work with schools and other providers, and support for young carers. Darren provided full responses throughout, explaining ongoing work to improve the local situation.
Resolved - (a) That Darren Chaplin be thanked for his attendance, presentation and for answering members' questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.
441 ADDED ITEM - The Director: Governance and Partnerships informed the panel that there was one outstanding added item request on the Annual Adult Services Complaints report. Arrangements were underway to enable the panel to discuss this item.
Resolved - That the position be noted.