This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
New proposals to improve schooling for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been published by the Isle of Wight Council.
The authority is now to consult on the plans that follow a review of the provision on the Island.
The proposals contain 35 recommendations addressing all aspects of SEND education.
They propose greater parental involvement in every aspect of the service and also set out how the authority plans to reduce the number of students who have to travel off the Island – often far away – in order to receive the appropriate education and care.
Working with other specialist facilities
The proposals also outline how the council plans to build on the existing and highly regarded SEND special school provision at Medina House and St George’s by working in even closer co-operation with other specialist facilities such as those at Beaulieu House and also by enhancing support and services available through mainstream schools.
The review also highlight the need to identify a child’s special needs at an earlier stage and proposes a shift of resources from central administration to schools to enable children to receive help as soon as possible. .
Share your views
Now those with an interest in SEND provision, particularly parents, carers, school staff and SEND students – are being asked for their views on the proposals through a six-week consultation.
This consultation will include a dedicated Webpage with links to the full report and a series of public meetings.
The results of the consultation will be assessed and the council’s cabinet will discuss the new approach at its meeting in July with a view to implementation in September.
Council committed to raising educational standards
Cllr Dawn Cousins, the IW Council cabinet member responsible for SEND provision, said: “The council is committed to raising educational standards for all children and to closing the gap in attainment between those pupils who have special educational needs and those who do not. We are also committed to an approach in which as many of our children as possible are educated here on the Island and, wherever appropriate, amongst their peers.
“Currently too many children – as many as 50 – have to travel off the Island for their education and in some cases they have to travel far away from their home. That can be upsetting for the students and their families.
“A key aim of this review is to try and increase the number of our children we can provide for here on the Island.
“But in order for this to happen we must ensure that the very best SEND education is available here in the Island and this is what we are trying to achieve with this review.
“Another major aim is to increase the involvement of parents in the way their children are educated so we hope that parents of children with special educational needs take part in the consultation as a step towards that.”
Details of the consultation and a link to the review document can be found online.
Public meetings
26th April 2011 at Solent Middle School at 1815 – 1930
27th April 2011 at Downside Middle School -the Kitbridge Campus at 1815-1930
3rd May 2011 at Bishop Lovett Middle School 1815-1930
4th May 2011 at West Wight Middle 1815 – 1930
5th May 2011 at Lake Middle School at 1815-1930
