Agenda item

Mrs W Holmes presented a report updating Schools Forum on the progress of the primary and secondary Fair Access and Inclusion Panels (FAIP), and on the proposed closure of the Key Stage 3 Darley Centre Pupil Referral Unit.

Both the primary and secondary FAIP were regularly well attended by schools and continued to build on their strengths.  Both panels had additional representation from the police, SEND, Behaviour Teams, ASET and YOS where necessary.  The FAIPs had an independent chair.  Through consultation with headteachers, secondary schools now had responsibility for seeking their own alternative provision for individual pupils where required, although requests for places at the Darley Centre and Coritani continued to be heard via the FAIP.

Managed moves had reduced in recent months, however they continued to be sought school to school without the need for FAIP.  Once pupils had left at the end of the summer term the number of young people in alternative provision would be at its lowest.

A revised system for monitoring alternative provision had been developed and trialled in recent weeks which included provisions undertaking and rag rating their own SEF, uploading all documents and policies and providing opportunity for a full day visit by a monitoring officer, culminating in a comprehensive rag rated report against the SEF and the five areas of Ofsted regardless of whether they were Ofsted registered or not.

Following initial discussions with the Headteachers/Principals Chairs’ Group, and specifically on the basis of reduced need, following a significant drive on inclusion, the council had launched a consultation with the proposal to close the Darley Centre with effect from end of July 2021.

Mr Chaplin advised that the report had been presented to the Schools Forum in order to highlight the partnership work previously referred to, which had resulted in an overall reduction in the use of alternative provision, in particular the Darley Centre.  Secondary school would have places in their own accommodation to help children with social and mental health needs.  It was felt that now was a good opportunity to think about different provision with a view to closing the Darley Centre at the end of the academic year.  The council would work closely with the young people and staff affected.  Discussion was needed as to how these resources would be used going forward, Mr Chaplin though it would be useful to discuss this at a future meeting of the forum.

Mr Lawrance stressed that it was important to monitor the impact of the funding and what it is used for.  Mrs Holmes added that consideration was needed as to what was required additionally at primary level before progression to secondary.

Resolved - (a) That headteachers and principals continue to work with the council to implement and embed area-wide solutions, as outlined in the report; (b) that further local inclusion opportunities (SEND Capital Funding) be developed; (c) that the consultation on the proposed closure of the Darley Centre be considered by headteachers and principals, and (d) that a report be submitted to the next meeting on how the funding reference above could be used to support mainstream schools.