Children's Services Management Team sponsor:

Pam Robinson - Deputy Director of Children's Services Telephone: 01962 847991; e-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Eric Smith - Education Officer SEN Telephone: 01962 846245; e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Education:

1.2 Approves the Strategy for developing the role of special schools in Hampshire.

1.3 Notes that the Strategy will be communicated to all schools in Hampshire and to related services and agencies, to serve as part of the framework for:

· Special schools' self-review and self-evaluation

· The review and development of special schools in the County

· Supporting the extended role of special schools

· Developing and enhancing partnership working between special schools and their local community of schools and support services.

2 Reason

2.1 This Strategy supports the Corporate Strategy in the following ways:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - by enhancing the quality of educational provision for children with special educational needs (SEN), including those with behaviour, emotional and social difficulties, and contributing to multi-agency support for families;

"Maximising well-being" - by enabling more children to receive appropriate education and support within their local community; and

"Enhancing our quality of place" - by improving quality and range of local provision for children with SEN.

2.2 The Strategy contributes directly to the five desired outcomes for children and young people identified in Every Child Matters by supporting the development, and enhancement of the quality of provision for children with special educational needs (SEN), in both special schools and, through partnership working, mainstream schools.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 None. The Strategy has been the subject of wide consultation in 2005 with schools and other services/agencies.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Member for Education