Agenda item

(To receive a report which sets out a consultation which recommends the discontinuance of the three dedicated speech and language referral units across Lincolnshire and to provide Speech and Language services to children requiring interventions in the school which they are on roll)

Consideration was given to a report from Debbie Barnes, Executive Director of Children's Services, which provided the Committee with details of the consultation which recommended the discontinuance of three dedicated speech and language referral units across Lincolnshire, and to provide Speech and Language services to children requiring interventions in the school for which they are on the roll. The Committee was advised that the consultation had commenced on 9 March 2016 and was due to finish on 22 April 2016.  Appendix A to the report presented provided a copy of the Consultation document for the Committee's consideration.

The Business Support Manager in guiding the Committee through the report advised that currently for children at primary age, the County Council commissioned three schools to provide educational and therapeutic support to children with complex speech and language difficulties and that currently there were 21 children attending the three units.  The three units were situated in Monkshouse Primary (Spalding), Mablethorpe Primary School (Mablethorpe) and Fosse Way (Lincoln).

The consultation document proposed an alternative model which recommended that pupils with complex or severe speech and/or language needs remained within their local primary school and continued to be educated in this setting, whilst receiving short term intensive therapeutic services to support them in reaching their full potential.  It was highlighted that pupils with more complex educational support needs would then follow the appropriate pathway for an Education, Health and Care Plan.

It was highlighted that the model also addressed the concerns of some parents that the young children should remain in their local community, at their local school and not having to travel long distances to attend one of the three units. 

It was reported that the Lincolnshire Community Health Service, the four Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Local Authority would be working together to enhance the current speech and language treatment outreach support service into mainstream primary schools to allow young children with complex speech and language needs to be able to remain in a mainstream school setting.

The Committee was invited to provide comments on the proposal, prior to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health Services, Children's Services making her decision on 10 June 2016.  The Committee was advised that the Executive Councillor report would be considered by the Committee at its meeting on 27 May 2016.

The Committee was advised that the current model resulted in transportation costs of approximately £125,755; and that by placing children in their local community primary school would significantly reduce transport costs by approximately 70% resulting in a saving of £88,000 p.a. to the Local Authority funding.  It was also noted that the Local Authority provided £360,002 to the three schools for providing the service.

Note: Councillor Mrs N J Smith wished it to be noted that she had been previously employed as a speech assistant at a Lincolnshire school.

During discussion, the Committee raised the following points:-

·         That the enhanced service would involve a number sessions, which would be needs led;

·         That current staffing would be absorbed, but some specialist teachers would be brought in to provide the service;

·         The Committee was advised that at the moment, officers were unable to provide details of the final service model; as this was still being worked up;

·         One member enquired what provision would be made for deaf children.  The Committee was reassured that provision would be made for children with hearing impairment;

·         It was noted that by commissioning the intensive speech and language service through the Lincolnshire Health and Community Services (LCHS), the Local Authority would have the ability to oversee the outcomes for children with speech and language complex needs, and hold the LCHS to account for the therapeutic interventions provided, thereby strengthening the Local Authority's position as a commissioning authority.  Members welcomed the accountability;

·         Some concern was raised as to whether the Local Authority was capable of providing an improved service to all schools, due to the geographical spread of the County; and the need for more experience personnel.  The Committee was reassured that the improved provision would be possible; and

·         Clarification was sought as to who would be funding the improved service.  The Committee was advised that the service was currently funded by the Local Authority through the dedicated school budget.

RESOLVED

That the report and comments made by Children and Young People           Scrutiny Committee be noted.