KCC RESPONSE TO CONCERNS RAISED BY PARENTS REGARDING SPECIALIST PROVISION IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS
DECEMBER 2009
In response to your queries regarding units attached to mainstream schools in Kent, I would like to set out what we are implementing as a result of the Unit and Designation Review - the lead school pilot and to correct some of the inaccuracies in your understanding of the proposals. I would firstly however like to reassure you that no provision will change for children with SEN currently attending units, special schools or mainstream schools. The proposals are at this stage being piloting in two areas of the county. We are monitoring and evaluating how the policy is working in these pilot areas and are taking account of feedback from all those impacted. There is therefore plenty of opportunity for you and your members to influence the outcome of the pilot and to put forward your views on the policy.
In terms of the detail of the proposed changes that are being trialed in North West Kent and in Ashford and Shepway, the following are some key aspects which I hope will reassure you and respond to your questions.
Kent is not closing or proposing to stop children getting access to any specialist provision in mainstream schools that they need to meet their needs We are, as was set out in earlier consultation on the Lead School policy developing Lead schools in place of 'units'.
A detailed description of what a Lead School is - its functions, funding arrangements, criteria and standards are set out in documents and guidance available on the Unit Review website.
The type of provision being offered by individual lead schools in the pilot areas will vary depending on need type and on the other range of provision available in each locality and most importantly the capacity within other mainstream schools to meet the needs of children with SEN
The objective is for Lead Schools to move towards a greater focus on delivering support to children in their local mainstream school and to building capacity of local mainstream schools in supporting children with SEN
The needs of children with SEN at this level are as you are well aware complex and very individual. Each case in the pilot area is being looked at individually and the most appropriate placement sought. There is nothing in the Lead School Programme that supercedes or replaces SEN legislation and the LA still has the responsibility for ensuring children’s needs are met by arranging the provision that is set out in the Statement of SEN.
In terms of the timetable, the pilot will run for a full academic year and a report will be put together for KCC Cabinet during the summer of 2010. Following this, decisions will be taken on any changes or adaptations to the policy and how the policy will be implemented countywide.
I hope this email responds to your questions. Please do not hesitate to send any further queries which I would be happy to respond to. We are intending to hold further focus groups with parents in the pilot areas during the early part of next year.