Contact: Cliff Turner, Assessment and Intervention Manager, Tel: 01962 846533: e:mail [email protected] and Fliss Dickinson, Education Officer (SEN), Tel. 01962 847996: e:mail [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The Inclusion Policy (Appendix 1), the Behaviour Support Policy (Appendix 2) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy (Appendix 3) are key elements of Hampshire's Education Strategy for supporting the needs of all children and young people.

1.2 Following the publication of the Children Act 2004, there is a renewed focus on how local authorities meet the needs of vulnerable children in partnership with other agencies. These three policies set out a clear direction within which detailed planning will take place within and between services. The effectiveness of this work will be judged in terms of the outcomes for children (being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well being) as elaborated in "Every Child Matters".

1.3 By developing effective inclusive education, with a particular emphasis on improving behaviour and meeting special educational needs, these policies make an important contribution to the County Council's corporate aims on "maximising life opportunities" and "building strong and safe communities". They will also have an impact on reducing crime and disorder.

2 Consultation

2.1 Each of these documents was generated by small working groups. They were then the subject of consultation with all schools over a period of at least three months. Feedback from consultees has been taken into account.

3 Planning for the future

3.1 The three policies provide a coherent framework through which the County Council's principles and objectives for vulnerable children can be delivered. The direction for the next three years will be consistent with the changes taking place as a result of the Children Act 2004 and will build on the significant work and progress achieved so far.

4 Legal implications

4.1 The SEN Policy meets the requirement for the local education authority to maintain and review a SEN policy.

5 Financial implications

6.1 The financial implications will be covered from within existing resources.

6 Personnel implications

6.1 None

7 Impact assessment

7.1 Race and equality impact assessment has been considered in the development of this report and no adverse impact has been identified. A positive impact is expected as a consequence of re-assserting the need to welcome diversity and ensure equal opportunities for access to education.

8 Crime prevention issues

8.1 By improving educational provision for vulnerable groups it is expected that these policies will have a positive impact on crime and disorder rates, consistent with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Recommendations

1 That the Inclusion Policy, Behaviour Support Policy and SEN Policy are supported.

2 That detailed strategies for implementation and action plans are devised, reviewed and reported annually to elected members.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

None.