Havering SEND Provision Consultation

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Havering SEND Provision Consultation

Last week Havering council launched a proposal for additional Post-16 educational provision. The vision is to provide high quality education and training opportunities for young people aged 16-25 years. It is a very important issue which over the last few years has caused an increasing number of parents to raise their concerns about the lack of extended provision for pupils over 16.

Havering Council wants you to have your say ? take part in their survey HERE

Havering Council recognises its duty to young people in the borough with Special needs and/ or disabilities. Currently, Post-16 provision within Havering for young people with SEND exists at three locations:

  • Ravensbourne School, which serves pupils with severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities to age 19
  • Havering College, which offers programmes at its foundation Skills Centre for adults aged 16-25.
  • Havering College also runs a satellite unit for a small number of 16-19 year olds based at Corbets Tey School, though this is not a permanent arrangement.

Whilst these schools provide a fantastic service, creating opportunity and training. A number of parents of children with SEND: Special educational needs and / or disabilities, have highlighted that the council is not making sufficient or appropriate provision for their children from age 16.

The changing nature of the complexity and type of need, as well as rising birth rates and a projected increase of 7.5% across all categories of learning difficulties and disabilities in havering by 2017.

Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham & Rainham said: "I think this is a very important initiative, and I encourage all residents to take part. The consultation runs until the end of February and will determine the progression of Havering Council's decision to extend current SEND provisions in the area."

On the 4 November 2015 Cabinet agreed to open a new 16-25 SEND provision based at Avelon Road by September 2016. The provision will start with around 10-15 students and will provide a varied curriculum which supports young people to move successfully into adulthood.

There is currently a proposal to create an additional 40 places, based at the Avelon Centre on a phased programme starting on September 1 2016. A final decision is planned to be made by the end of May 2016.

Want to have your say? You can state whether you support this proposal or not by completing the consultation questionnaire. This can be done online by clicking HERE