The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee of Cardiff Council met on Monday 17 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, with a primary focus on the provision for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN). The committee scrutinised objections related to ALN provision before its consideration by the Cabinet on 20 June 2024. The committee also discussed the need for further ALN places across the city and the establishment of new Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs).

Provision for Children and Young People with Additional Learning Needs

The committee welcomed Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, along with several key officers, including Richard Porter, Programme Director for the School Organisation Programme, Brett Andrewartha, School Organisation Programme Planning Manager, and Jenny Hughes, Head of Inclusion, Education and Lifelong Learning.

Councillor Merry highlighted the need for additional ALN places across Cardiff, mentioning that the proposals would provide new SRBs at several schools, including Baden-Powell, Fairwater Primary, Herbert-Thompson, Lakeside, Springwood, Plasmalwa, Coed Glas, Greenway, and Seven Primary School. She noted that only one objection was received, which was related to the proposal at Fairwater Primary School. The objection concerned the secure fence line along the site, which was deemed irrelevant to the consultation proposals.

Richard Porter explained the multi-stage process of school organisation planning, which includes consultations and statutory notices before final determinations. He mentioned that over 100 new ALN places would be created, with some projects already in the design or construction phases.

Questions and Concerns from Committee Members

Committee members raised several questions and concerns:

• Numbers and Waiting Lists: Patricia Arlotte asked about the number of pupils requiring specialist places and the current waiting list. Brett Andrewartha mentioned that there were approximately 2,000 learners across all statutory age groups, with around 80 decisions pending.

• Independent Sector Use: Councillor Hopkins inquired about the reliance on the independent sector for ALN provision. Richard Porter acknowledged the need for some independent sector placements due to the lack of specialist places within the authority.

• Budget and Capacity: Councillor Gunter questioned the impact of budget constraints on schools' ability to meet ALN needs. Jenny Hughes noted that while there were pressures, the authority was working closely with schools to monitor and support them.

• Cultural Stigma and Neurodiversity: Councillor Gunter also raised concerns about cultural stigma and the long waiting list for neurodevelopmental assessments. Jenny Hughes emphasized the importance of needs-led support rather than diagnosis-led support.

• Mid-Year Admissions and Budget Flexibility: Councillor Helen Ferguson-Thorne asked about the challenges of mid-year admissions and budget flexibility. Jenny Hughes explained that schools were adjusting their budgets and staffing allocations to accommodate new pupils.

• Accessibility and Safety: Councillor Humphries asked about accessibility and safety measures for disabled pupils. Richard Porter assured that capital projects included appropriate facilities and support for disabled pupils.

Committee's Way Forward

The committee decided to support the recommendation to the Cabinet but emphasized the need for further scrutiny and detailed responses to several unanswered questions. They proposed establishing a task and finish group to conduct site visits and gather first-hand insights from schools. This group would also explore the financial implications and the effectiveness of current ALN provisions.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.