Methodology

Planning and research to inform the engagement

Data analysis and forecasting informed the development of the draft strategy that was shared during the consultation period.  A number of strategies from other local authorities were also reviewed.

The research was also conducted by Educational Psychologists relating to the evidence base for the effectiveness of mainstream settings with Additionally Resourced Provisions (ARPs) and SEN Units on pupil outcomes. 

Pre-engagement

Pre-engagement included:

• Dialogue with FACT Bucks, the parent/carer forum to understand the experience of children and families in Bucks. This was informed by the ongoing dialogue with parents through meetings and support group social media conversations; feedback from SENDIAS service users; as well as specific surveys conducted by FACT Bucks in partnership with SENDIAS.
• Pre-engagement activity with schools. This included an analysis Buckinghamshire Special Schools which identified the types of special educational needs catered for and where there were gaps. The range of specialist provision has now been published on the Local Offer Education options and admissions for children with SEND | Family Information Service (buckinghamshire.gov.uk)
• Discussions with school networks (Primary Executive Board [PEB], Bucks Association of Secondary Heads [BASH] and Special School Heads). These centred on the needs of children and young people currently placed in our settings, and what this told us for now and the future.
• Discussion at the SEND Integrated Services Board (January 2021), the body that provides multi agency governance of SEND and includes representatives from across Health, Education and Social Care as well as the Voluntary and Community Sector and Parent /Carers. This identified some critical considerations including the broader context beyond educational placements, for example health services and housing.
• Discussion in the Sufficiency workstream of the SEND improvement programme, which informed the discussion with senior leaders.

Public consultation

Public consultation was conducted through the Council’s consultation hub. An online survey was produced. The survey design collected demographic data, to allow analysis of the results by different groups of stakeholders. The survey was designed to allow stakeholders to be able to fully explain their responses and give in-depth feedback on the consultation. Some respondents who were unable to access the online survey received a printed questionnaire or submitted an email response.

Opportunities for stakeholders to discuss the proposals directly with the Head of Integrated SEND, Head of Improvement and Transformation, and the Chair of FACT Bucks were provided. 2 online sessions were held for parents/carers, and 1 session for schools/settings. The feedback from these meetings is being considered alongside the formal consultation responses.

The Council set a 30-day period to hold the consultation, starting on 7 June and closing on 18 July 2021.