Statements or Something Better? Direction of Change
Background to statutory reform Recommendation by ESTYN, Audit Commission, CEA WAG Task Group: Statutory Assessment - Options for change ELLS Committee Policy Review: - Consult & build consensus. - Seek to make legislative change in Wales. - ALN to replace SEN Preliminary consultation in 2 phases. LCO secured (2007)
Key Rights & Principles UN Rights of the child (Rights to Action) Inclusive education High quality broad & balanced education Able to make good progress towards potential Holistic individual assessments & planning Early identification & intervention LAC needs recognised Ethnic & cultural needs recognised
Intended outcomes of reforms A more inclusive education system. Improved outcomes & well-being. Improved participation of learners. Increased trust & confidence of parents. Greater consistency of outcomes. Better partnerships between agencies Better partnership with parents/carers. More efficient use of resources
Strategic Priorities Improving consistency & quality Modernising systems
NHS Parallels Reducing harm & Unjustified variation. Targeting: –Right person –Right Place –Right Time –Every Time
New more flexible systems Severe & complex needs Less complex needs Individual Development Plans Support and disagreement resolution Early intervention Transition to adulthood
Severe & complex needs Holistic view of learner’s needs Multi-agency assessment, planning and provision Team around child & key working Early Support Individual development plan Improved transition to adulthood Birth to 25
Less complex needs Flexible school-based system Less bureaucracy Individual development plan Improved quality assurance Entitlement protection Team around the child / family / school where needed.
Individual development plans Single plan for child / young person Common format Person centred planning Involvement of learner & parents Action planning approach Key-working where needed Flexible processes & IT system
Parent support, advocacy & complaints Strong emphasis on information, advice, advocacy & mediation. Parent support networks School & LA disagreement resolution procedures Open & flexible process & tight timescales Last resort to ALN tribunal Extended access to tribunal
Quality assurance Securing the right provision ALN quality assurance system: –Tracking pupils –Monitoring funding –Assessing quality Inclusive Schools Profile
Building capacity LA strategic role School action plans Professional development Defined Provision Pathways Team around the school. Role of special schools Web based resources & networks
Leadership & Management Training for leaders & managers Self-evaluation audit materials Improved accountability Mandatory ALNCo training Regulation on ALNCo role
Immediate Priorities Regional planning Building multi-agency consensus Multi-agency assessment & planning Team around the child, family and school Early Support Quality Assurance System
Pilot schemes: Quality Assurance: Flintshire Caerphilly Complex needs: Carmarthenshire Torfaen Non-complex: Pembrokeshire Bridgend Torfaen ALNCo: Cardiff & Newport
Quality Assurance & Evaluation Action Research project Central co-ordination Pilot Management Boards WAG task group monitoring
Other reform developments Early Support Transition Key-worker pilots Behaviour & attendance pilots Post-16 Funding Review Right of Appeal for the child pilot Unlocking the potential of special schools
Process of reform Continuing to build a consensus with all stakeholders On-going evaluation Review of powers Formal consultation 2012 Legislation – target 2013 Phased implementation
“Sustainable improvement is not achieved through piecemeal change. Real and lasting improvement occurs when elements identified as instrumental to desired improvement are addressed simultaneously and in a way that they complement and support one another” School Effectiveness Framework 2008