The Schools Forum considered the report regarding the consultation with

Headteachers regarding the provision for Children and Young People (C&YP) with

a Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulty.

The Chairman invited Helen Huntley to discuss the increased pressure on the high needs block, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH). The aim of the intervention was to reduce permanent exclusion, which so far had been promising with a decrease amongst primary age children.

Permanent exclusions and fix-term exclusions amongst secondary children with SEMH, had been seen to be increasing. Helen Huntley stated that early intervention is extremely important. Arises from children as young as 5 being permanently excluded. SEMH may be harder for teachers to deal with rather than a child with dyslexia for example, as SEMH is so broad.

Helen Huntley referred to the draft statement of intent that a powerful statement of intent from the borough’s headteachers.

Appendix 3 was referred to showing what priorities Headteachers thought it was important to target. These came under 3 different headings. These were universal, targeted and specialist services. Helen Huntley then explained what each of these 3 services involved specifically.

Helen Huntley also shared her worry for teachers and headteachers own mental health during the pandemic.

The Chairman identified the importance of the issues raised by Helen Huntley and that the financial side of it was also a very real issue.

Joolz Scarlett asked if possible, for the surplus to be included within the autumn proposal and to see what could be done about potentially using some of the money. Chris Tomes supported this idea of including the surplus on the proposal if possible.

Kevin McDaniel thanked Helen Huntley and Alistair Whitelaw and echoed his support for supporting SEMH children. The Chairman and Kevin McDaniel also supported

Joolz Scarlett’s proposal of funding at the point of need for individual children, rather than per school. This was due to differing numbers of children requiring additional support per school.

The Chairman also reiterated the pressures that teachers and his staff also are under in recent times.

Councillor Tisi informed that a wide range of things such as teaching and testing needed to be looked at with regards to students and their SEMH, due to pressures placed on them. Councillor Tisi also stated CAMs waiting times have gone from 18 to 30 months, so she fully supported these proposals.

Councillor Stimson stated her thanks for the report and her support for it. Places on record her support for sustainability and clean air, which in turn can also help with mental health.

Joolz Scarlett brings the attention of the members to the pressures league tables put upon mainstream schools and proposes scrapping them as a suggestion.

Kevin McDaniel understood the argument about league tables and was supportive, however he believed it was unrealistic to have them not be published due to newspaper headlines.

Helen Huntley acknowledged the support towards the proposals. Helen Huntley stated that there would be a meeting before the end of the school term between the wellbeing team, the educational psychology team and the inclusion team to look at the agenda and SEMH approach.

In terms of what happens next with the SEMH proposals, Kevin McDaniel says that

Helen Huntley and Clive Haines would:

·       What it would look like when put into action?

·       Where would it fit into the offer?

·       Where does the money come from and how would it be funded?

The Chairman asked for consideration for 2 items to be added to the agenda for the next meeting. These involved a letter from the Headteacher at Wessex and nursery and business rates. The sensitivity of both agenda items needed to be looked at to identify if they were appropriate for the Schools Forum to discuss.

Councillor Tisi referred to a motion passed in November/December 2019 regarding nursery and business rates. Councillor Tisi said there was support from the council, and a letter was written to the national government regarding this matter.

Kevin McDaniel confirmed Councillor Tisi’s statement and confirmed a response to the letter that was sent, was indeed received. The Chairman stated that there unfortunately was not a lot more that the Schools Forum could do.

The Chairman ended the Forum by thanking all officers and members for their attendance.

Resolved unanimously: That the Schools Forum notes the report and

      i.         Comments on the proposals set out in section 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 and 2.10.

     ii.         Provides guidance on the potential funding options as set up in 4.2 to allow a further report for 2022/23 budget setting, which sets out recommendations as to how the intervention and provision can be paid for on a sustainable basis.