Officers present: / Alun Rees – Head of the Leeds Virtual College for VulnerableChildren
In Attendance / 2 people attended.
Glenn Simpson – Project assistant (minute taker)

Presentation

Alun Rees (AR) welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a presentation on the proposals to change the age range and expand the capacity of the BESD SILC (Elmete Lane) and to expand the capacity of the North East SILC from January 2014, including the integration of the Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 PRUs into the larger SILCs.

The presentation included:

  • An overview of the proposals,
  • Why the local authority is proposing the redesigns and how they have been

developed,

  • Purpose of the public consultation, &
  • What happens to comments and the Next steps

Comments and Questions

The table below outlines the main comments made and questions asked together with the response given by officers.

Comment / Question / Response from AR
Would there still be provision in the SILC for short stay/exclusions? / Yes. The short-stay (PRU) function was being written into the remit of the SILCs by this proposal.
Comments on the proposal to increase numbers, does it include KS3? / Yes. Appropriate KS3 provision was part of the proposals.
The presentation referenced the proposedchange of age to 4 – 11 provision. Does that mean that this would necessarily happen? / It is included, in recognition ofevidence from headteachers and others of demand for more KS1 support.
Question in relation to other sites, would they remain open? Hunslet was given as an example. / AR gave overview of intentions. Commented that there will be 5 locations, matching similar levels of need and specialise on the offer as described in the booklet circulated.
Would provision be split, i.e. KS3 and KS4? / AR stated that this would be dependent on Headteacher and individual circumstance. AR reiterated best practice advice to match provision.
Question relating to West Oaks provision on Oakwood Lane– would this be just for statemented pupils? / AR commented on proposals looking at the overall provision, space and more effective use. The objective of broadening the remit of the SILCs was to allow more integration of the offer for statemented and non-statemented children, where assessment showed their needs were similar.
Queries about an actual increase in numbers? How many places? / AR discussed KS3 provision and transition. Flexibility of the offer, dependent on demand from the schools / traded offer and buying places.
AR acknowledged that the LA had bought 24 places from April onwards.
General comments
Discussion about next steps after the consultation. Would the proposals go ahead, unless major opposition? / AR provided overview of what happens after the consultation period ends. All responses summarised and presented to Leeds City Council Executive Board, who will then decide whether to proceed with the proposals or change them in any way.
The earliest the Executive Board can make a decision will be at their meeting in June 2013. Your opinions will be taken into account when the decision is made, so it is really important that you tell us your views.
If they decide to proceed, then statutory notices confirming the details of the final proposals will be published. You will then have the opportunity to comment on the final proposal.
The earliest the Executive Board is likely to make a final decision is Autumn 2013.

In summary, there was a thorough discussion of the issues and no objections were raised to the proposal during the meeting.

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