Children and Families Bill where are we now?

Children and Families Billwhere are we now? Julie Jennings Manager, Children, Young People and Families Team RNIB

Definitions and scope We welcomed • the extension of LA responsibilities to a wider group of CYP with SEND • application of the new legal framework directly to academies and free schools • closely involving CYP and parent carers in decisions that affect them

Definitions and scope but….. • the Bill should explicitly include disabled CYP including those with long term health conditions who may have health and social care needs but not SEN • early years provision should cover the PVI sector and home-based support

So what now • The government, following lobbying by SEC and EDCM laid down an amendment to include disabled CYP without SEN • Home based support gets a stronger reference in COP, especially SI, but still concerns about the PVI sector and naming them in a plan

Local integration and information We welcomed • the emphasis on joint working and co-operation across services • stronger duties on health, social care and education to review and commission services jointly

Local integration and information but…… • there need to be clear links between children's trust arrangements and Health and Wellbeing Board duties • accountability needs to be clear - not left to parents

So what now • Joint planning and commissioning has been strengthened with a joint ministerial letter (DfE/DH) and COP recommendation on regional planning especially for low incidence groups • Accountability is still an issue for parents and YP - Government announced 2 year funding for Independent Supporters to support CYPF during implementation

Local offer We welcomed • the principle of a local offer • the local offer includes a wider range of services such as employment

Local offer but…. • there needs to be an underpinning duty to provide what is set out in the offer • some form of national framework should inform the development of each local offer

So what now • The Government agreed to a change that strengthens the requirement to publish actions on parents' comments on what is set out in the local offer • There is a national framework for what a local offer should contain, but not the format

EHC assessment and plan We welcomed • the concept of a single assessment process and multiagency plan from birth to 25 years • extension of statutory entitlements into FE, including training, apprenticeships and, in certain circumstances, YP who are NEET • recent statement on new health duties

EHC assessment and plan but….. • CYP with health and care needs should be able to access an assessment and plan, where necessary • extension of statutory entitlements to include HE • there should be duties on social care services to deliver what is set out in EHC plans with a single point of appeal for parents and young people

So what now • CYP with long term conditions and no SEN are unlikely to get an EHC plan - their requirements will be set out in a care plan • There are stronger statements about HE in COP • The duty on health to deliver what is in the plan is good, and there is a stronger duty on social care through the CSDP Act • There will be a pilot to test a single point of complaints and appeals processes

Outstanding issues • General principle of presumption for inclusion not just rights of individual child • Special academies to admit children without EHC Plans • VI Registers • Mandatory qualification

Mandatory qualification • 2009 letter on MQ now included in a note in the COP • Other statements strengthen access to specialist support, including QTVI • Review of MQ by DfE, NCTL and NatSIP - Phase 1 updating spec for existing providers, including reviewing the outcomes - Phase 2 other providers

Context of the reforms • Capacity of LAs to deliver with deepening cuts to frontline services • Funding changes from 1 April 2013 in early years, schools and FE • NC review and its assessment and changes to primary and secondary accountability • Ofsted consultation on inspection of specialist services

Ofsted self evaluation It is likely to include • Joint commissioning • Local offer • Social care needs • Personal budgets • Transition to EHC plans • The area’s focus on early intervention

Ofsted self evaluation Timetable End of January • Finalize SET and contact local areas and providers to be involved February/March • Request to local areas to complete SET • Visits to colleges and schools

Ofsted self evaluation Timetable April • Initial analysis, including identification of areas for good practice visits May • Good practice visits to LAs July • Good practice dissemination event for LAs

What could it mean for VI services? • Using a single assessment framework and education, health and care plan • Involvement in personal budgets and direct payments • Framing a local offer for VI support • Understanding funding models • Different relationship for LAs • More open market for specialist advice • Focus on outcomes

And what's next? • Royal Assent by 21 March • Consideration of secondary legislation (regulations) and SEND COP • Phased implementation?

Early years Preparing for adulthood • High aspirations need to be set at an early age…even when a child is very young…families need to know that they can go on to find work, live independently, with whatever support they need, and participate in their community.

From September 2014…… ' the biggest reforms for 30 years' for CYP with SEND www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sendreforminfosheet

Thank you! Julie.jennings@rnib.org.uk

Children and Families Bill where are we now?