Purpose

This report seeks Cabinet approval for three linked proposals to increase the availability of specialist and inclusive provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Lancashire. These proposals will: 

Provide additional specialist places to reduce the need for costly independent special school places, closer to a child's home, reducing high needs block spend, reducing the deficit position and reducing home to school transport costs. 

Allow mainstream schools to improve their school environments, reducing the need for specialist placements and the associated impacts of escalation through the system. 

Allow mainstream schools to establish specialist bases, once again reducing the need for specialist placements and the associated impacts of escalation through the system. 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision, and the requirements of the Council's cabinet procedure rules (Standing Order C18, Consideration of Key Decisions) have been complied with.

Decision

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.