Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee support the need for sufficient resources/funding to    be made available from the Welsh Government following the         introduction of the Additional Leaning Needs (ALN) and Education          Tribunal (Wales) Bill; and

(b)       That an update report on implementation plans arising from the legislation be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

The Chief Officer introduced the report to update the Committee on the Additional Leaning Needs (ALN) and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill.  He provided background information and advised that if enacted the Bill would have a significant impact on the delivery of support for ALN.  The Chief Officer said whilst many of the principles were welcomed there were key questions around implementation, development, capacity, and resourcing, that needed to be resolved.  He reported on the main considerations as detailed in the report and the core aims which had been established. 

Councillor Chris Bithell referred to the aim to have a single legislative system relating to the support given to children and young people aged 0 to 25 who have ALN.  He commented on the additional responsibilities and resource implications for the Council at a time of financial restraint and said there had been no indication as yet of any additional funding from the WG to meet the extra demand on the service.  Councillor Andy Dunbobbin reiterated the concerns expressed by Councillor Bithell concerning the resources and financial implications of supporting young people up to 25 years.

Mr. David Hytch welcomed the Bill but raised concerns around how to determine what the special need was and how to address it.  He expressed the need for school governing bodies to be supported in the process. 

Councillor Dave Mackie proposed that the recommendation as outlined within the report be amended to reflect the Committee’s wish that sufficient resources/funding be made available to support the aims of the proposed ALN Bill.  This was agreed by the Committee.

RESOLVED

(a)       That the Committee support the need for sufficient resources/funding to    be made available from the Welsh Government following the         introduction of the Additional Leaning Needs (ALN) and Education          Tribunal (Wales) Bill; and

(b)       That an update report on implementation plans arising from the legislation be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.