Follow up of actions from the previous Annual Report (21/22) – our successes!
The Service is now Jointly Commissioned and has a written document (Service Specification) that outlines the agreement, links the work of SENDIASS to the National Minimum Standards, SEND Code of Practice and Children and Families Act.
Service Line management has been moved out of Inclusion and now sits within Commissioning. Further strengthening impartiality.
All vacant posts have now been filled and staff are fully trained.
The Service is now able to report on service users who require IAS around Health and diagnosed conditions impacting on education matters.
The Service has been able to build capacity for those who need an ongoing service over a period of time by changing the way we manage all contacts.
All Service users receive an evaluation in a reasonable time following our involvement and responses are considered monthly to see any patterns that may be emerging.
What are we worried about?
National Tribunal timescales are impacting on the number of tribunal cases we currently hold ‘open’. Service users’ decisions have also been impacted by the tribunal timescales particularly over the Y6/7 transition period as they have felt they don’t have the time available to try mediation prior to lodging an appeal.
Number of Children and Young People who are receiving IAS in their own right, have dropped this period.
Minority Groups remain underrepresented
Workshops have a ‘drop out rate’ from those who book a place.
Referrals for children who are ‘Looked After’ remain low.
Service users who have heard about SENDIASS from Schools seems low compared to other avenues.
What’s working well?
Service users continue to make use of the Website including the virtual pre-recorded workshops via the You Tube Channel.
Support during mediations and tribunals is making a difference to families. Families have either agreed by consent or are still waiting for their process to work through.
The service works hard to build or maintain positive communication with the LA during tribunal processes.
The Service is compliant with all minimum standards and its offer of IAS to all service users in all areas as specified in the SEND Code of Practice.
Service users are accessing the support on offer around the more complex situations they encounter.
Service reach has increased from previous year.
What needs to happen?
For the service to look at hard to reach and vulnerable groups, including LAC and ensure they are fully aware of the service offer and how to make contact. (Continued from previous Annual Report)
For the Service to build on the virtual workshop offer (placed on You Tube) around topics such as Tribunal and Mediation.
For the Service to consider ways in which the offer of IAS can be further utilised for children and young people.
For the Service to ensure workshops are delivered around other high topics such as Annual Reviews.
For the Service to reach out to schools and settings, offering SENCO’s a quick solution to sharing the IAS offer when SEND is first identified.
For the Service to be able to capture data around the 5 working day response time as well as where a child is supported under an SGO or CIN if known to the service.