Content

9.1

The
CEO of Learn Sheffield introduced the report which sought approval
to adopt the Local Area SEND Partnership Strategy and accompanying
Delivery Plan, and to authorise implementation of the Delivery Plan
for the period 2025–2027. The Strategy set out a shared
commitment across education, health and social care to improve
outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Sheffield, so
that all children belong, thrive and are well prepared for adult
life.

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy
Committee:-
 
a)   
Approve the Local Area SEND Partnership and the Delivery Plan for
adoption as the Council’s overarching framework for SEND
improvement.
b)   
Agree the commencement of Phase 1 implementation (to December 2026)
including establishment of the Children’s Taskforce,
Ordinarily Available Provision Group, Alternative Provision
Taskforce, and statutory assessment task-and-finish
groups.
c)   
Require six-monthly progress reports to Committee on outcomes
against Ofsted/CQC Priority Actions and Areas for Improvement, and
on Delivery Plan milestones, resourcing and
risks.

 

 

9.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

9.3.1

To respond to statutory inspection findings and
secure sustained improvement in outcomes for children and young
people with SEND through a coherent, whole system approach.
Adoption of the Strategy and Delivery Plan provides a clear, shared
framework for improvement, aligning education, health and care
partners around agreed priorities, delivery arrangements and
accountability. This enables timely, co-produced improvement in
EHCP quality and timeliness, the graduated approach, alternative
provision and wider system performance.

 

 

9.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

Rejected. This would fail to
address the Priority Actions and Areas for Improvement identified
by the Ofsted/CQC inspection and would risk continued deterioration
in outcomes for children and young people with SEND, as well as
ongoing non-compliance with statutory
duties.

 

 

9.4.2

Rejected. A partial approach would
risk fragmentation, inconsistent implementation and limited impact,
as the inspection findings and subsequent improvement work
demonstrate that whole-system alignment across education, health
and care is required to secure sustainable
improvement.

 

 

9.4.3

Rejected. Deferring adoption would
undermine delivery momentum following the post-inspection
Improvement Plan and delay progress against inspection actions.
Immediate implementation, with a planned review point in December
2026, provides the most effective balance between pace, assurance
and learning.