Lead Member: Councillor Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children & Education

Lead Officer: Natasha Moody, Assistant Director for Children's Services Reforms

RESOLVED

To note the contents of the report

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report following publication of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s findings regarding the Council’s handling of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provision for a child from an armed forces family. The Ombudsman found fault which had caused injustice to the child and family, particularly in relation to the recognition of the family’s military circumstances and the timely transfer and use of information. The Council had accepted the findings, apologised for the distress caused and confirmed that the agreed remedy for the family had been implemented.

Cabinet was advised that a range of actions had been taken to address the issues identified and embed learning across the Education, Health and Care Plan service. These included dedicated Armed Forces Covenant training for staff, inclusion of the training within staff induction, the introduction of a checklist to identify children from service families at an early stage, and strengthened arrangements to support information sharing when families relocate. Members noted that these measures had been incorporated into operational practice and quality assurance processes, and welcomed the Council’s transparent approach in acknowledging the findings and implementing improvements to prevent a recurrence.

RESOLVED

To note the contents of the report