Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 29 January 2025

RESOLVED that the minutes be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Members considered a report that set out how Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) was being implemented in the Cleveland Police Force area. It also set out the background to RCRP nationally, the work coordinated by Cleveland Police to date, the timescales for implementation and the work to date on implementing the plan across the Cleveland Police footprint.

Discussion and points raised:

-       Members received examples of how RCRP operated in the area.

-       Members noted that the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) Mental Health Trust’s crisis number was fully operational and, nationally, it had the second highest answer rate, of 97%, which was very positive. It was agreed that it was important that instructions on how to access the line were clearly communicated to members of the public, so patients received the appropriate care.

-       Police continued to support paramedics attending potentially violent situations, however, historical data was considered in order to assess the context and level of risk and determine if, and what level of, support was necessary.

-       Statistically, there had not been any indication that the crisis number on 111(2) had decreased call outs of ambulances but this was being monitored.

-       Training had been given to a number of services at the Council and voluntary sector. Further discussions, with Catalyst, would be undertaken to potentially identify other organisations for training.

RESOLVED that the report and discussion be noted and actioned as appropriate. 

Members considered a report relating to SEND

It was explained that the Children and Families Act 2014 introduced significant changes to the systems and approaches for children and young people aged 0-25, with SEND). A new SEND strategy was developed by health, education and social care partners in 2021 which was in the process of being refreshed, following changes to the SEND framework and the leadership team in Stockton on Tees.  

Members were reminded that a number of reports had been presented to the Board providing oversight on the delivery of the strategy and against the previous local area inspection and whilst there was now a new senior leadership team in place and a new inspection framework, strategic planning had been at the forefront of plans in 2024 to ensure that improvement was driven forward in 2025, using the Local Area Inclusion Plan as a tool to enable this. 

The Board received an outline of the plans for 2025 following the establishment of the Local Inclusion Partnership and re-establishment of the SEND Strategic Board with new board members. 

Discussion and key points:-

-       The Council had limited powers in terms of what it could ask schools to do in this area. Some multi academy trusts disagreed with the Council’s assessment of necessary provision. A new Ofsted Framework was to be introduced that had a stronger focus on inclusion and it was hoped this would have a positive effect on provision.

-       Funding from the DfE was extremely limited in this area.

-       Transition points to Adulthood continued to be strengthened.

-       Training was an important aspect of maintaining provision.

-       Specialist/Mainstream hybrid provision would be available at Stockton Riverside College which would give appropriate SEND pupils access to specialist learning, whilst also having access to the wider school environment.

RESOLVED that:

1. the Local Area Inclusion Plan for and priorities for 2025/2026 be endorsed.

2. a further report be presented in Autumn 2025, when a refreshed SEND & AP Strategy will be available.

There were no updates.

It was suggested that the March meeting be extended to allow the discussion of business, followed by a session to receive LGA feedback.

RESOLVED that the forward plan be noted.