The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 6 November 2024 to discuss the provision of services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the employment outcomes for people with learning disabilities. The committee welcomed plans to increase specialist SEND places and supported ongoing work to improve employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.

SEND Provision: Quality and Sufficiency

The committee received a comprehensive report on the quality and sufficiency of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision within the borough. It was noted that there has been an unprecedented rise in demand for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services, with requests for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in 2022 being four times the national increase. Despite these challenges, a SEND Area Partnership Inspection in July 2024 confirmed that children and young people with SEND in Barking and Dagenham attend school regularly and are achieving well.

The report detailed that over 3,000 EHCPs are maintained for children and young people aged 0-25. The borough has a significant number of inclusive mainstream schools, Additional Resource Provisions (ARPs), and special schools, alongside independent special schools and nurseries. The Council receives a yearly government grant for SEND services, and has been working with the Partnership Learning academy trust to open new special schools, including Oxlow Bridge Special School, set to open in September 2025.

Members of the committee raised questions regarding funding streams, the specific needs of SEND individuals, and the creation of more ARPs. It was clarified that funding is allocated through a banding system, and the Council is reviewing its ARP strategy to ensure it is financially sound. The Head of Statutory SEND Services highlighted that early identification of SEND needs is a priority, with significant efforts made through early years services and inter-school information sharing.

Challenges in identifying children with SEND who move into the borough without notification were discussed. The committee also inquired about consistent quality standards across provision types. The Virtual Head of SEND explained that while staffing is a challenge, training programmes are in place, funded through the apprenticeship levy. Inclusion visits are conducted annually for specialist schools and ARPs, and for all maintained schools.

The disproportionate increase in EHCP requests in Barking and Dagenham, four times the national average, was attributed partly to population growth in the 0-19 age bracket. The committee was informed about a £1 billion uplift in SEND funding promised by the government, with an estimated 5% share for the borough, amounting to £2.5 million. This funding is crucial as the Council faces a £4 million overspend within the service.

The report also addressed the difficulties some parents and guardians face in accepting a child's disability due to cultural or religious reasons. The Council's early help colleagues offer support through stay and play sessions in various community settings, emphasizing the need for open and culturally sensitive communication.

To improve transitions and support for post-16 education and future employment, the Council has strengthened careers advice and guidance, including housing advice. The Specialist Careers Advisor team has been expanded, and an options booklet for young people with SEND has been developed. The service is also working with schools to introduce vocational profiling for SEND students. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on SEND provision was also discussed, with the observation that it appeared to have a greater impact on more vulnerable individuals and on the resilience of staff and parents.

The committee welcomed the report and supported the plans for new places to meet the growing demand for SEND provision.

Employment Outcomes for People with Learning Disabilities

The committee reviewed the Council's approach to improving employment outcomes for adults with learning disabilities. It is estimated that over 3,200 adults with learning disabilities and at least 1,500 adults with autism reside in the borough. A new learning disability and autism strategy is under development, incorporating input from service users and individuals with lived experience.

The Education Commissioning Team has three dedicated careers advisors who collaborate with Barking and Dagenham College and job brokerages. Since 2019, over 40 internships have been created, with 11 of these within the borough. The report noted that regulations around work experience can deter employers, and the Council is seeking new ways to encourage local businesses to offer placements.

Current performance data indicates that the employment rate for people with learning disabilities known to social care is 2.5%, significantly below the London average of 5.3%. Barriers to reaching this target include a higher needs cohort in the borough and a capacity gap in job brokerage services. Employer engagement, including internships, also presents a challenge, as does the nature of the borough's employer base, which consists of many small businesses with time pressures. SEND learners themselves have identified self-imposed barriers and practical issues such as transport as obstacles to employment.

To ease the transition from education to employment, there is a need for greater collaboration between services. Specialist schools work with the Barking and Dagenham School Improvement Partnership (BDSIP) to provide work experience, and early identification of young people leaving education is crucial for planning transitions. Barking and Dagenham College offers supportive internship programmes, the Rise Project and the Reach Programme.

The Council is exploring new work experience and internship opportunities, and is working to expand these to include adults. Challenges with apprenticeships, due to the apprenticeship levy favouring strong academic qualifications, were also discussed. The potential for work experience from new developments within the borough is being considered. The Council is moving towards a wider offer beyond social contracts, including apprenticeships.

The report highlighted the expense of setting up schemes similar to the former Remploy factory, but the Council is focused on creating more inclusive environments with various employers and its own services. There has been an increase in local employers offering work experiences, and community interest companies are assisting in training adults with learning disabilities as baristas. The cost-effectiveness of job coaches was discussed, with salaries in Barking and Dagenham being lower compared to the private sector.

The committee welcomed the report and expressed satisfaction with the collaborations between services and partners aimed at improving employment outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

Work Programme

The committee noted that the Budget meeting scheduled for 26 November had been postponed until early December due to a revised budget timetable. The committee also requested that an item on housing caretaking be added to the work programme.