UPDATE NO 306 15 June 2018

Expanding Capacity in the Secure Estate – DfE policy brief

The DFE are seeking proposals through their ‘Expanding Capacity in the Secure Estate policy brief‘ issued on the 11 June (available here). 

The request links closely to the work that SESLIP and the majority of SE authorities are engaged in through our Complex LAC and Edge of Care project. We are planning to launch a bid on behalf of the project (with Oxfordshire as lead authority), but are mindful others  may also have plans to apply so we would like to try to co-ordianate. A separate approach has been made to colleagues in Hampshire as we are aware of their key role in the delivery of the national secure referral system. 

Our intention is to contact the DfE and advise them of our intention to bid (by the 22 June 2018 deadline) and then use the time before the final bid  is due in (22 August 2018) to canvas views and coordinate a regional approach. 

If your would like to discuss further please contact Mark Evans or Rosemary Perry (details below) who are jointly leading the Complex LAC Project.

Consultation on 2018-19 DCS Peer Challenge Arrangements

Work is now underway on a “trial run” to create a regional improvement plan for 2018/19. We are aiming to bring a draft to the SE ADCS meeting on 13 July.

This work will be based on three separate views of regional priorities: a survey of published Ofsted reports; the regional benchmarking data; and the “offer” and “ask” identified by each DCS. It will include existing improvement offers from SESLIP, LGA and Partners in Practice.

Thanks to Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire and Milton Keynes for completing the Improvement Survey; all other SE DCSs have received a further reminder of the email invitation to identify priorities for the emerging regional improvement plan. We are using a “non-stigmatising” approach, which assumes that all authorities have, in part, excellent practice that can help others; and that all authorities have some improvement needs. We will share these contributions along with our data analysis and literature review with DCSs before the 13 July meeting.

If you have any questions please contact Anna Wright or Richard Tyndall (details below)

SEND – LGA Regional Workshop

GOOD SEND PRACTICE IN LOCAL AREAS – REGIONAL WORKSHOPS (FREE) FOR COUNCILS

LGA would like to invite council members and officers to a regional workshop to discuss good SEND practice in local areas.

The workshops will cover key strategic themes, including:

1. strategic partnership working and co-production with parents / carers and young people;
2. partnership working and joint commissioning across education, health and care;
3. identifying and assessing young people’s needs;
4. building inclusive capacity in mainstream schools and settings, and providing targeted support for inclusion;
5. developing, planning and commissioning responsive, effective local specialist provision; and
6. preparation for adulthood.

Full details here

Who should attend?

The workshops are for elected members and officers with responsibility for SEND. Lead Members for children’s services, Directors of Children’s Services, Assistant Directors and Heads of Service and with responsibility for SEND, access and inclusion are warmly invited to attend. While the workshops are primarily aimed at councils, other local partner organisations would also be welcome to attend. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis so please apply as soon as possible. More than one colleague from each local area is welcome to attend.

London (for London and the South-East region) – Tuesday 10 July. For other dates and venues click here

SE DCS Peer Challenge 2018

Planning is underway for 2 Director’s Peer Challenges in 2018. Wokingham’s hosting is under review. The confirmed participants and dates are in bold on the accompanying chart. 

For more details please go to the SE ADCS Peer Challenge page. Colleagues requiring a more detailed briefing should contact Anna Wright (details below).

The 2018 MoU is now available for particpants to download, sign and return. Thanks to Bracknell Forest and Brighton and Hove for returning a signed MoU.

I now have one vacancy to join the team to visit Hampshire in November; thanks to colleagues from Brighton and Hove, Kent, Bracknell Forest and Southampton for volunteering to join the teams. Please contact Richard Tyndall in the first instance if you wish to join the Hampshire team.

UASC Conference – Thursday 28 June – Maidstone

Kent Specialist Children’s Services Conference 2018 – “Our Journeys – Travelling Towards Success Together”

How your Local Authority can make a difference for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children & Young People.
Utilising Kent’s experience with Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Young People to focus our minds towards achieving excellent placement, educational and well-being outcomes and community integration.

Venue: Oakwood House, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8AE

Date and Time: Thursday 28 June 2018, 9.15am – 4.00pm

Who should attend:

Local Authority Members Education Professionals, Social Work Practitioners, Virtual School Professionals, Fostering Practitioners, Accommodation and Health Professionals, Supporting Networks.
Fee:
£75 for one delegate or £50 per delegate for 2 or more. Includes lunch.
Accommodation (limited) is available for the night before / night after the conference at the conference venue at a discounted rate. Contact Oakwood House Hotel (01622 620720) and quote ‘UASC Conference’.

Download the flyer here or the booking form here.

For more information please contact Rachel Calver at Kent Virtual School.