Agenda item

To review and comment on the proposed redesign of the service.

8.1       8.1       The Committee received a report outlining the Perfect Pathways Project which included the project methodology, the review findings and service solutions being proposed to improve the experience of children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through earlier intervention, improved sign-posting and navigation.  The Committee noted that extensive parental engagement with families accessing these services and practitioners had taken place.   

8.2       The Committee welcomed Hend Rahman, Chair of the Westminster Parental Participation Group, who discussed how the project had improved the system by providing targeted support for children with Special Educational Needs at a lower cost whilst improving the service experience and outcomes for families.  The Committee noted the ability of families to access services without a detailed social worker’s assessment, the importance of Short breaks to families and the improvements to the Short Breaks offer in South Westminster.

8.3       The Committee discussed how the Council should never be afraid to take a fresh look at service provision however successful a service was and that extensive engagement with the users of a service was key in developing efficient and effective services that provide the best value and experience for its users.  The Committee then discussed the need to improve the information available on the Council’s website along with its accessibility, sign posting and the navigation of the site.

8.4       RESOLVED: The Committee made the following comments which would be forwarded to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Young People for consideration:

1.    The Committee welcomed the work that had been achieved and the example of how a fresh look at service provision could lead to an improved service and a reduction in costs.

2.    The Committee highlighted the need to communicate with parents the new Local Offer.

3.    The Committee welcomed the engagement of parents to train other parents on the design and delivery of the service and Local Offer. 

4.    The Committee welcomed the survey for parents to assess need and shape the service in the future

5.    The Committee urged the Council to look at opportunities for securing funding from elsewhere to enhance the service in the future.

The Committee received a report outlining the Perfect Pathways Project which included the project methodology, the review findings and service solutions being proposed to improve the experience of children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through earlier intervention, improved sign-posting and navigation.  The Committee noted that extensive parental engagement with families accessing these services and practitioners had taken place.   

8.2       The Committee welcomed Hend Rahman, Chair of the Westminster Parental Participation Group, who discussed how the project had improved the system by providing targeted support for children with Special Educational Needs at a lower cost whilst improving the service experience and outcomes for families.  The Committee noted the ability of families to access services without a detailed social worker’s assessment, the importance of Short breaks to families and the improvements to the Short Breaks offer in South Westminster.

8.3       The Committee discussed how the Council should never be afraid to take a fresh look at service provision however successful a service was and that extensive engagement with the users of a service was key in developing efficient and effective services that provide the best value and experience for its users.  The Committee then discussed the need to improve the information available on the Council’s website along with its accessibility, sign posting and the navigation of the site.

8.4       RESOLVED: The Committee made the following comments which would be forwarded to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Young People for consideration:

6.    The Committee welcomed the work that had been achieved and the example of how a fresh look at service provision could lead to an improved service and a reduction in costs.

7.    The Committee highlighted the need to communicate with parents the new Local Offer.

8.    The Committee welcomed the engagement of parents to train other parents on the design and delivery of the service and Local Offer. 

9.    The Committee welcomed the survey for parents to assess need and shape the service in the future

10.The Committee urged the Council to look at opportunities for securing funding from elsewhere to enhance the service in the future.