Archived decisions

Appendix E8

Special school provision in the New Forest

New Forest Local Strategic Partnership - notes of meeting

15 March 2007

Present from the Local Authority

Alex Munro - Education Officer (School Organisation)

Eric Smith - Education Officer (SEN)

Start of item: 10.20 am

Close of item: 10.50 am

Introduction

Eric Smith and Alex Munro attended a meeting of the New Forest Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) to consult members on the proposals for the future of special school provision in the New Forest area.

Mr Munro briefly outlined the consultation process to date and emphasised that any views on the proposals would be included in the paper which would be considered in May by the County Council Cabinet.

Mr Smith referred to the development of the County Council's strategy for special education and the complementary strategy for schools in the New Forest. He explained the increasing complexity of special educational needs. The proposals were intended not only to enhance the quality of physical provision for pupils but also to unlock staff expertise both in mainstream and special schools to ensure more flexibility in responding to the needs of individual pupils.

Mr Smith also explained the proposed timetable, and the importance of funding support from central government.

The following questions were asked and comments made:

Pupils

    1. The mixing of MLD and SLD children in the one school would lead to a very wide ability range.

    2. It was important that the needs of all children were properly assessed and appropriate individual provision put in place.

    3. The range of pupils at Oak Lodge had changed significantly over recent years. The school shares a site with Applemore College and this should provide an ideal framework for increased partnership working.

    4. The success of the proposals would depend heavily upon the way in which the split of Salterns pupils between the two new schools was planned and implemented.

    5. A member on the committee with family experience of both Forest Edge and Oak Lodge Schools emphasised the importance of maintaining good quality special schools if the County Council was to be able to cater for the full range of special educational needs.

Procedures

    6. Has the Policy Review Committee yet had the opportunity to consider these proposals?

    7. What would happen if the government funding upon which the proposals depend so heavily were not to materialise?

    8. The consultation booklet referred to partnership working and community access but stressed that specific funding would have to be identified for any such initiatives. The PCT should be urged to ensure that such funding was included in their budget planning.

    9. Has a detailed risk analysis been carried out?

Buildings

    10. Given the increasing complexity of special educational needs, is the County Council confident that the new schools will have sufficient places?

Staff

    11. The new schools would be centres of excellence and it is important for that specialist skills to be disseminated into mainstream schools.

Other issues

    12. Parents have a key role in determining the most appropriate provision for their children.

After discussion with Partnership members, the chairman expressed the view that the Partnership was broadly supportive of the proposals but urged the County Council to take careful note of the various concerns raised. The Partnership's views would be conveyed formally to the County Council in due course.