Public Document Pack

County Offices Newland Lincoln LN1 1YL

16 April 2019

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

A meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will be held on Friday, 26 April 2019 at 10.00 am in Committee Room One, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL for the transaction of the business set out on the attached Agenda.

Yours sincerely

Debbie Barnes OBE Head of Paid Service

Membership of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee (11 Members of the Council and 4 Added Members)

Councillors R L Foulkes (Chairman), R J Kendrick (Vice-Chairman), M D Boles, Mrs W Bowkett, M T Fido, C Matthews, A P Maughan, S R Parkin, M A Whittington, L Wootten and R Wootten

Added Members

Church Representatives: Reverend P A Johnson and Mr S C Rudman

Parent Governor Representatives: Mrs P J Barnett and Miss A E I Sayer

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE AGENDA FRIDAY, 26 APRIL 2019

Item Title Pages

1 Apologies for Absence / Replacement Members

2 Declarations of Members' Interest

3 Minutes of the Children and Young People Scrutiny 5 - 14 Committee held on 8 March 2019

4 Announcements by the Chairman, Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services and Chief Officers

5 Fostering Allowances 15 - 26 (To receive a report from John Harris, Children's Service Manager – Regulated (North and Fostering), which invites the Committee to consider and comment on a report concerning Fostering Allowances, which is due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services on 17 May 2019)

6 Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019-20 27 - 76 (To receive a report from Teri Marshall, Senior Commissioning Officer, which invites the Committee to consider a report on Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019-20, which is due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services on 29 April 2019)

7 Refresh of Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy 77 - 112 (To receive a report from Rob Barber, Commissioning Officer, Specialist Adult Services, which provides the Committee with details of the refresh of Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy)

8 Children and Young People Scrutiny Work Programme 113 - 118 (To receive a report from Simon Evans, Health Scrutiny Officer, which provides the Committee with an opportunity to consider and comment on its work programme for the coming months)

Democratic Services Officer Contact Details

Name: Katrina Cope

Direct Dial 01522 552104

E Mail Address [email protected]

Please note: for more information about any of the following please contact the Democratic Services Officer responsible for servicing this meeting

 Business of the meeting  Any special arrangements  Copies of reports

Contact details set out above.

All papers for council meetings are available on: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/committeerecords

Agenda Item 3 1

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 8 MARCH 2019

PRESENT: COUNCILLOR R L FOULKES (CHAIRMAN)

Councillors R J Kendrick (Vice-Chairman), M D Boles, Mrs W Bowkett, M T Fido, C Matthews, S R Parkin, M A Whittington, L Wootten and R Wootten.

Added Members

Church Representative: Mr S C Rudman.

Parent Governor Representative: Miss A E I Sayer.

Councillor: D Brailsford (Executive Support Councillor for Children's Services) was also in attendance.

Officers in attendance:-

Katrina Cope (Senior Democratic Services Officer), Roz Cordy (Interim Assistant Director of Safeguarding), Tracy Johnson (Senior Scrutiny Officer), Jo Kavanagh (Assistant Director Children's Services (Lead Early Help)), Geraldine O'Neill (Lead Consultant - Early Years Entitlement), Heather Sandy (Interim Director of Education) and Sally Savage (Chief Commissioning Officer - Children's Services).

56 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE / REPLACEMENT MEMBERS

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A P Maughan, P J Barnett (Parent Governor Representative) and Reverend P A Johnson (Church Representative).

An apology for absence had also been received from Councillor Mrs P A Bradwell OBE, Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services.

57 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS' INTEREST

Mr S C Rudman wished it to be noted that in relation to agenda item 8 – Performance – Quarter 3 2018/19 (pages 56/57) he had been involved in an adoption process. He advised that he would remain in the meeting for the debate on this item, but would not enter into any discussion thereon.

Councillor M A Whittington advised that he had an adopted son aged 22 and, although he was not receiving services available up to the age of 25, he was eligible to them.

Page 5 2 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 8 MARCH 2019

58 MINUTES OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 18 JANUARY 2019

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18 January 2019 be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

59 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR FOR ADULT CARE, HEALTH AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND CHIEF OFFICERS

The Chairman advised the Committee that agenda item 5 – Fostering Allowances had been withdrawn from the agenda, as further work was necessary on the content of the report. The Committee was advised further that the report would now be considered by the Committee at its 26 April 2019 meeting.

The Chairman advised that since the last meeting he had visited the Ark Nursery School, Stamford, which he had found very informative.

The Committee also noted that the Big Conversation 18 had taken place on 19 February 2019 at the Gainsborough Academy Youth Centre, Gainsborough. Councillors D Brailsford, R J Kendrick and Mrs W Bowkett had attended the event, which had focussed on 'Development of Participation Groups – V4C and Barnardo's'. The Committee noted further that Big Conversation 19 was due to be held in May 2019 half term and would focus on 'How can our Care Pledge be improved'.

It was also highlighted that on Saturday 22 June 2019, 'FAB! 2019' was due to be held at the Isaac Newton Building at the University of Lincoln. The Committee was advised that the theme for this year's awards was 'ECO FAB' and that further details would be sent out to members of the Committee. The Chairman encouraged all members of the Committee to attend.

The Chairman invited the Executive Support Councillor and Senior Officers to update the Committee.

Councillor D Brailsford, Executive Support Councillor for Children's Services advised that at the Music Teacher Awards of Excellence, Lincolnshire had won the Music Education Council Major Award 2018. Congratulations were extended to staff and the young people for their success. It was agreed that a letter should be sent to the Music Service on behalf of the Committee to congratulate them on their success.

60 FOSTERING ALLOWANCES

The Chairman had in his earlier announcement advised the Committee that the Fostering Allowances item had been deferred to the 26 April 2019 meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.

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61 LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL AUTHORITY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE 2017/18

Consideration was given to a report from Martin Smith, Interim Assistant Director of Education, which invited the Committee to consider and comment on Lincolnshire Local Authority School Performance for 2017/18.

Attached to the report for the Committee to consider were the following Appendices:-

 Appendix A – Key Number Report for 2018;  Appendix B – Free School Meal Closing the Gap Report; and  Appendix C – Key Stage 2 LEAP and LAMP Disadvantaged FSM Eligible Outcomes for 2017/18.

In guiding the Committee through the report, the Interim Director of Education advised that the report presented provided an analysis of the current performance within the Lincolnshire schools system. It was noted that the data shared used validated figures for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4.

It was highlighted that as of 31 August 2018, Lincolnshire had 85% of schools rated as good or better. It was noted that Lincolnshire remained above the National average of 84.5%.

The Committee was advised that peer review continued to be utilised to support school improvement; and that over 50 schools had added their peer review outcomes to the database in addition to the entries from the academic year 2017/18.

Details of the strengths and areas for improvements within schools were shown at the top of page 18 of the report.

The report made reference to the following key stages:-

 Early Years (Aged 5)  Phonics Screening Check (Aged 6)  Key Stage 1 (Aged 7)  Key Stage 2 (Aged 11)  Key Stage 4 (Aged 16)

In conclusion, the Committee was advised that the Local Authority, the Lincolnshire Learning Partnership and Lincolnshire Teaching Schools Together were aware of the outcomes and were taking the necessary action to support improvement in standards within the sector led model. Details of the core offer to all settings in Lincolnshire; the Lincolnshire Learning Partnership Mobilise programme; and the Lincolnshire Teaching Schools Together supported delivery were shown on pages 20/21 of the report. It was highlighted that there were approximately 220 schools engaging with Mobilise.

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It was highlighted further that the priority was to address the gap between Lincolnshire and national attainment figures in reading, writing and mathematics, and that this was the continued focus of the sector led model.

During discussion, the Committee raised the following comments:-

 The local position – The Committee was advised that the local authority in conjunction with it partners were taking action to support improvement in standards within the sector led model and that a strategic plan had been put in place. It was highlighted that the strength of partnerships had benefitted Lincolnshire by providing all schools with the opportunity to engage in professional development and school improvement activity. The evidence based approach to school improvement was a long term project, which was beginning to show reward. It was highlighted further that Lincolnshire was quite unique; as not all areas were as fortunate to have such a collaborative approach to school improvement. The Committee was advised that the biggest difference for those areas doing well was that they were better funded. The Committee noted that lobbying groups had been set up who were lobbying the government for better funding for Lincolnshire. The Committee noted further that there had not been a lot of engagement from church schools;  Where Academies were not performing well - Reassurance was given that in a situation where there was concern relating to improvement, the Council would have a meeting with the school; if a school refused to engage with the Council, then the Regional School Commissioner would be engaged if it was an Academy Trust; otherwise OFSTED would be engaged as deemed necessary. The Committee was advised that the Council had a good relationship with most schools. The Committee members were encouraged to visit their local schools; as most schools would welcome the visit;  Definition of LEAP, LAMP and LENS. The Committee was advised that LEAP was the Lincolnshire English Achievement Project; LAMP was the Lincolnshire Attainment in Maths Project; and LENS was the Lincolnshire Educational Needs Support Project;  The effect of 38 new Head teachers coming into post. Confirmation was given that most brand new Head teachers were taking up positions in smaller schools. Once Head teachers had gained experience, they would then move onto a larger school. The Committee was advised that there was an induction programme for all schools; and that maintained schools received enhanced support through the de-delegation budget. It was highlighted that work with governors also formed part of the induction programme;  A question was advised as to whether there was a network to help Lincolnshire get better funding for education in Lincolnshire. The Committee was advised that there was a Workless pressure group; as well as a group of Head teachers. It was noted that the local authority had written to all schools to encourage them to write to their local MP, as well as the Minister for Education;

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 Monitoring of trends – The Committee noted that the Appendices to the report provided a breakdown of data for the previous three years; and from this data trends would be able to be identified;  Early Years Foundation Stage – Some concern was raised that the good level of development had reduced in 2018; dropping below the national average by 2.4%. Reassurance was given that Early Years had been brought back in- house and that there was a strategy for improvement. Officers offered to bring back the Early Years Strategy to a future meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee for further consideration later in the year. Some concern was expressed that it was important to get a balance between meeting the needs of young people, rather than just measuring for measuring sake;  Some concern was expressed to the fact that some of the C of E Schools had not been able to gain sponsorship. The Committee was advised that the Executive Councillor had written to the Education Secretary and the Executive Director for Children's Services had been in contact with the Regional Schools Commissioner; and that a meeting had been held with the Bishop. It was highlighted that everything was being done that could be done; and  Progress 8 – Officers advised that Progress 8 was a measure of the progress children made between the end of primary school and the end of secondary school. It was noted that it was designed to encourage good quality teaching across a broad curriculum. Officers agreed to send some data out to members of the Committee. Some reference was also made to the fact that grammar schools did not always provide a broad spectrum of activity. One member advised that non- selective schools were doing well, despite losing their more academic students to grammar schools.

RESOLVED

1. That the Lincolnshire Local Authority School Performance report for 2017/18 be received.

2. That consideration be given to the Early Years Strategy at a future meeting.

62 DELIVERY OF 30 HOURS CHILDCARE

The Committee gave consideration to a report from Michelle Andrews, Children's Service Manager, Early Years, which provided an overview of the Government's commitment to 30 hours per week of funded education for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds; and advised of Lincolnshire's current position regarding the implementation of the offer.

In guiding the Committee through the report the Lead Consultant, Early Years Entitlement made reference to the background to the government's commitment to doubling the amount of free childcare from 15 hours to 30 hours from September 2017.

Details relating to the eligibility criteria were shown on pages 33 and 34 of the report.

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Appendix A to the report provided an overview of helping to pay for childcare.

It was reported that in Lincolnshire 582 private and independent providers, 22 Academies and 49 schools were now registered to deliver the extended 30 hours. It was highlighted that this represented 90% of the funded childcare sector.

The Committee noted that the quality of provision had continued to improve, with 96% of early providers in Lincolnshire being rated as Good or Outstanding at an inspection completed on 31 August 2018.

It was reported that 95% of all 3 and 4 year olds were accessing Early Education places. It was reported further that the take-up levels by the summer term 2018 had reached 5,322 children; which was above the Department for Education estimate of 5,010 eligible families in Lincolnshire.

The Committee noted that providers had been fully committed to delivering the extended entitlement.

The report advised that Childcare Works continued to deliver the DfE's national support contract for the 30 hours free childcare programme; and that Lincolnshire was actively engaging in the national and regional process, which had helped the local authority to implement the agenda successfully.

The Committee was advised that the local authority had been successful in securing DfE funding to provide a digital solution for childcare providers; and that this had now been fully implemented; and had supported the Early Years Providers to move to a monthly payment process.

It was highlighted that additional funding had been available via the DfE to support localised pressure on places for 30 hours. It was noted that the local authority had secured £1,594,138 of capital funding from the DfE to develop six capital projects, and to create 259 new 30 hour places in Lincolnshire.

The Committee was advised that following the implementation of the 30 hours free childcare, a parental consultation had been undertaken to establish if the market place in Lincolnshire was meeting the needs of working parents. Feedback from the survey had indicated that those parents using childcare were happy with the quality and 93% had reported they were satisfied with the quality of childcare used; and 95% reporting that they were satisfied with the childcare arrangements they had in place.

It was also highlighted that some parents had found the government gateway a frustrating system to use, when confirming eligibility every three months. It was reported that feedback regarding the government gateway had been fed back to HMRC and the DfE.

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

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 One member provided the Committee with an update on their recent visit to a local nursery school. Officers responded to questions raised. The member highlighted that the nursery had been thankful of the support received and thanks were extended to county council staff, with particular mention being made to Julie Grindley;  Funding Formula – The Committee was advised that the Lincolnshire Schools' Forum had given consideration to the government funding formula;  Some concern was expressed to the document detailed at Appendix A; and to the fact that the average busy parent would find it hard to understand. One member enquired whether the Council produced any documentation. The Committee was advised that a toolkit had been developed, and that information had been sent out to staff in the localities, so that they were aware of what was on offer;  Problems encountered with the renewal application process – The Committee was advised that the feedback received from some parents had been that the government gateway was a frustrating system to use, especially when reconfirming eligibility criteria every three months. The Committee was advised further that when parents were experiencing difficulties using the government gateway system, members of the Early Years and Childcare Support team were referring parents to the HMRC customer interaction service through a Freephone telephone service for support. The Committee also noted that the feedback from parents had been reported back to HMRC and the Department for Education at regional meetings;  Access to Early Education places. The report highlighted that 95% of all 3 and 4 years old were accessing Early Education places. It was highlighted that for the 30 hours entitlement which had begun in September 2017, the take-up levels by the summer term 2018 had reached 5,322 children, which was above the DfE estimate of 5,010 eligible families in Lincolnshire. It was noted that the 5% not accessing could be as a result of various reasons, i.e. some parents not working and some had grandparents looking after the child/children; and  One member advised from personal experience of the 30 Hours Childcare that the experience had been a very positive one.

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee extended thanks to the Lead Consultant, Early Years Entitlement for a very informative update.

RESOLVED

That the Delivery of 30 Hours Childcare report be received.

63 PERFORMANCE - QUARTER 3 2018/19

Consideration was given to a report by Sally Savage (Chief Commissioning Officer), which provided key performance information for Quarter 3, 2018/19 that was relevant to the work of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.

The following Appendices were attached to the report:-

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 Appendix A – Council Business Plan Measures;  Appendix B – Complaint and Compliments Report;  Appendix C – Ofsted School Status Report; and  Appendix D – Performance Monitoring of Contracts – Exempt Paper.

The Committee was reminded that Appendix D to the report contained exempt information and if the Committee wished to discuss details pertaining to Appendix D, a vote would need to be taken to move into exempt session.

The Committee was invited to ask questions relating to the content of the report. During discussion, the Committee raised the following issues:--

 One member extended thanks to officers that the Looked After Children (LAC) indicators had achieve their target; and to the fact that the waiting time for young children waiting for adoption had been reduced. The Committee was advised that LAC were a priority for the Council and for Children's Services; and that there was still progress to be made;  Page 47 – Juvenile First Time Offenders – This indicator for the first time indicated better performance, as a result of the new diversionary project in Lincolnshire. The Committee was advised that the Committee would be able to explore this indicator further as an item on Restorative Practice - Lincolnshire Joint Diversionary Panels would be considered at the 26 April 2019 meeting;  Page 49 – Juvenile Re-offending – The Committee was advised that there was a time-lag with the data provided; and that this indicator would be explained further at the 26 April 2019 meeting;  Complaints – Officers advised that the complaints report required further work; and that the complaints procedure would be coming back in-house to be administered. The Committee was advised further that a report setting out an annual review of complaints would be presented to the June meeting, so that a better in-depth picture would be provided. A request was also made for better information relating to Ombudsman complaints;  Appendix C – Table 2a/2b - Some concern was expressed to the 50% attributed to the PRU/AP and whether the measure was inadequate. Some reference was made to increased knife crime and the problems associated with knife crime. Confirmation was given that one of the PRU facilities had been good and one had been inadequate. Reassurance was given that the PRU facilities had now improved due to them being academised by a national provider, who had an outstanding PRU and teaching school. It was noted that there had been applications for 4 new free schools and that 3 of them would be open in 2019/20. The Committee was advised that the issue of knife crime was a matter for Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board to consider and better understand the Lincolnshire profile. It was agreed that a letter would be sent on behalf of the Committee to the Chairman of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board setting out the Committee's concerns regarding knife crime in relation to children and young people;  Page 66 - Table 5 – Schools currently judged to be inadequate and/or under an Interim Executive Board. Particular reference was made to Skegness

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Academy. Officers confirmed that the Head teacher from the academy was willing to work with the Council; and with the community;  Page 66 – Table 6 – Schools not yet inspected under current Ofsted URN/ DfE Number. Concern was expressed to the position of the Gainsborough Academy. It was highlighted that some schools were a challenge and that sponsorship would not bring about easy improvements, as some schools engaged better than others. A suggestion was made for local Councillors Mrs W Bowkett and C Matthews to visit the Skegness Academy; and for Councillor M A Whittington to visit the West Grantham Academy, as part of their community role.

At this point in the meeting, it was moved, seconded and:

RESOLVED

That in accordance with Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for consideration of Appendix D to the report on the grounds that if they were present there could be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.

The Chairman invited members of the Committee to ask questions in relation to Appendix D of the report and officers present responded to questions raised.

RESOLVED

1. That the performance report for Quarter 3, 2018/19 and the comments of the Committee be noted.

2. That a letter be written to the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board setting out the Committee's concern regarding knife crime in relation to children and young people.

3. That arrangements be made by the Interim Director of Children's Services for Councillors Mrs W Bowkett and C Matthews to visit the Skegness Academy and for Councillor M A Whittington to visit the West Grantham Academy.

64 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME

Consideration was given to a report from Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, which enabled the Committee to consider and comment on the content of its work programme for the coming months.

Appendix A to the report on page 71 provided a copy of the work programme for the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider.

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Appendix B provided a copy of the Forward Plan which advised the Committee of decisions relating to Children's Services from 1 March 2019.

The Senior Scrutiny Officer presented the report and advised that from the meeting, two items had been suggested to be considered at a future meeting. These were:-

 A more comprehensive annual review of the Complaints report for consideration at the 7 June 2019 meeting; and  The Early Years Strategy to be considered at the 6 September 2019 meeting.

The Committee expressed its thanks to Children's Services officers for their continued support; and for their seamless transition into their interim roles.

RESOLVED

That the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Work Programme be agreed subject to the inclusion of the above mentioned items.

The meeting closed at 12.25 pm

Page 14 Agenda Item 5

Policy and Scrutiny Open Report on behalf of Janice Spencer OBE, Interim Director of Children's Services

Report to: Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Date: 26 April 2019 Subject: Fostering Allowances

Summary: This report invites the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider a report on Fostering Allowances which is due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services on 17 May 2019. The views of the Scrutiny Committee will be reported to the Executive Councillor as part of her consideration of this item.

Actions Required: The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee is invited to (1) consider the attached report and to determine whether the Committee supports the recommendation(s) to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services as set out in the report.

(2) agree any additional comments to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services in relation to this item.

1. Background

The Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services is due to consider a report on Fostering Allowances. The full report to the Executive Councillor is attached at Appendix 1 to this report.

2. Conclusion

Following consideration of the attached report, the Committee is requested to consider whether it supports the recommendation(s) in the report and whether it wishes to make any additional comments to the Executive Councillor. The Committee’s views will be reported to the Executive Councillor.

Page 15 3. Consultation

a) Have Risks and Impact Analysis been carried out?

See report to the Executive Councillor attached at Appendix 1.

b) Risks and Impact Analysis

See report to the Executive Councillor attached at Appendix 1.

4. Appendices

These are listed below and attached at the back of the report. Appendix 1 Report to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services on Fostering Allowances

5. Background Papers

No background papers within Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972 were used in the preparation of this report.

This report was written by John Harris, Children's Services Manager - Regulated (North and Fostering), who can be contacted on 01522 554109 or [email protected].

Page 16 APPENDIX 1

Executive Councillor

Open Report on behalf of Janice Spencer OBE, Interim Director of Children's Services

Councillor Mrs P A Bradwell OBE, Executive Report to: Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services Date: 17 May 2019 Subject: Fostering Allowances Decision Reference: I017422 Key decision? No

Summary: This report proposes to increase the Foster Care Rates by 2% for 2019/20 and in order to recognise and encourage the retention of foster carers, it is further proposed to introduce an annual retention payment for all foster carers who complete the relevant training and have a successful annual review. This approach would be open to all foster carers who are able to demonstrate acquired skills and experience during the year and would be endorsed at the annual review. It is specifically focussed on mainstream foster carers as a means of recruitment and retention. This proposal, to apply the inflationary uplift across all age bands, will continue to attract new foster carers and the new proposed annual retention payment will help to retain existing foster carers ensuring Lincolnshire County Council remains competitive in the market.

Recommendation(s): That the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services approves:-

1) the increase to the Foster Care Rates by 2% for 2019/20. 2) the introduction of an annual retention payment for all foster carers who complete the relevant training and have a successful annual review, as set out in Option 2.

Alternatives Considered: Three different options have been explored and are detailed in this report.

Page 17 Reasons for Recommendation: Option 2 is the most cost effective way of offering a retention payment to foster carers. It will recognise long service, achievement and training and will both enhance the skill base of foster carers and support their retention. Option 1 would be a more costly approach and one that would be more complex to administer with such a variable range of additional payments. Option 3 would provide an additional, short term financial reward for all foster carers but is not linked to the development of foster carer skills. Option 2 offers real incentives to remain as foster carers for Lincolnshire whilst ensuring that foster carers demonstrate skills and ensure that their approach is underpinned by training and learning.

1. Background

Lincolnshire County Council looks after approximately 600 children and young people at any point in time. The Council believes that where children are unable to live with their birth family, they should be cared for within a family setting where this is possible and safe to do so. For the majority of children who become looked after in Lincolnshire, an in-house foster placement continues to be the preferred placement option. We are proud that 80% of our looked after children are placed within a fostering placement and further believe that our own foster carers, trained and supported through the Council provide good, safe care, high quality care.

Over the past 5 years, there has however been a significant change in the composition of those fostering placements in the county, with a significant shift towards children being placed within kinship (family / friend) arrangements. Such placements now constitute over 19% of the Council’s foster placements for looked after children. These are often short-term arrangements prior to the child becoming subject to a Special Guardianship Order.

The fostering service welcome this diversity of provision but the service must continue to ensure that there are sufficient alternative placement options for those children where a kinship option is not viable. Recruitment of foster carers as a result has been targeted on those harder to place groups, adolescents, sibling groups and children who require long term care. The service runs a dedicated recruitment team responsible for the delivery of this recruitment plan and responsible for all related assessment and retention activity. This dedicated approach has resulted in the recruitment of 27 foster carers in 2016/17 and 16 foster carers in 2017/18. The projected recruitment figure for 2018/19 is 30 foster care families.

Lincolnshire has benefited from foster carers who have very much seen fostering as part of their lifestyle and a source of secondary income. As a result it has been common place for foster carers to exceed 25 years' service. Many of these foster carers are now retiring and will need replacing. In 2017/18 31 families ceased to foster, continuing the trend of recent years but exacerbated by the reduction in the number of new carers recruited. It is important to note that over 50% of registered foster carers are between the age of 50 and 70. In order to encourage new recruits to continue fostering on a career basis, the service will need to be refreshed in

Page 18 order to incentivise carers to remain with the in-house service Council provision. The availability of foster carers is compounded by the success of the Staying Put scheme which now accounts for the placement of 45 children post 18 and a significant increase in the number of carers who require regular periods off.

Foster care is no longer provided just by Local Authorities. It is now very much a market place in which Council services have to compete with private providers. In Lincolnshire there are at least 10 independent fostering agencies which are active and this year has seen more direct activity with regard to recruiting in County. Several foster carers have left the service of the Council to foster for these independent agencies. In addition to this, the County faces competition for the pool of foster carers from other local authorities. Lincolnshire has a boundary with 8 other local authorities, many of which offer an enhanced offer to foster carers when compared to the current Lincolnshire scheme. In order to ensure that we are able to continue to not just recruit, but retain high-calibre foster carers, who can meet the needs of our looked after population, we need to re-examine the way that we reward them so that we remain competitive.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has regularly placed Lincolnshire as one of the most cost effective fostering service in the country. In 2017/18 foster placements in Lincolnshire “costed” £388 per week whereas equivalent independent placements were costed at £905. The differential therefore, for a child placed in house equates to £26,967 per annum and reiterates the importance of maintaining the current ratio of in house placements.

This is an ideal time to review and refresh the Council’s offer to foster carers to compete, not only with independent fostering agencies, but with other local authorities. The proposal is to introduce a system which will:

 Incentivise foster carers to remain with the Council long-term.

 Encourage a well-trained and active foster care workforce.

 Provide long-term benefits to young people, the County and the wider community by enhancing educational achievements, enabling more care leavers to engage in employment and training, reduce reliance on benefits, reduce the need for health services, including mental health services, reduce criminality, and drug use.

Currently, the Council has an agreed rate of allowances for foster carers based on the age of the child placed. Enhanced payments are made available for children who are looked after long-term, are remanded or placed in an emergency, or those with additional needs. The agreed or mainstream rates have been subject to a 2% increase annually over the past 5 years. This has ensured that Lincolnshire has remained ahead of the Government recommended minimum allowances. For 2018/2019 these are:

Page 19 Government Lincolnshire £ per week £ per week Pre-Primary 130 138.67 Primary 143 157.64 Secondary 164 196.01 16+ 191 238.32

However, these allowances are less generous than those offered by some of the counties that border Lincolnshire, especially when reward for skills schemes are taken into account. This makes both other Local Authorities and Independent agencies potentially attractive alternatives for prospective foster carers. To date, the service has always been able to respond flexibly to enable children to be placed in foster care. This may result in additional payments for a child with disabilities, or additional payments to a family who have a child who requires regular involvement in physical activities. However for the first time we have seen a small number of foster carers move to the independent sector, attracted by offers of greater allowances and better wrap around support.

There are a plethora of payment systems in place for foster carers across the country. The majority of these comprise the payment of an allowance plus an additional fee, which is based on experience and training. Fee-based schemes also recognise and value the skills of foster carers, rewarding those who have demonstrated greater skills and undertaken training and professionalising the approach to foster caring. Some schemes are complex and difficult to administer, with a range of tiers and related payments which some carers have considered to be divisive. Those schemes that appear to be the most effective are relatively simple, and although in essence identified as skills based could better be described as incentives for participation in training and longevity.

A number of options have been explored for Lincolnshire:

1. The introduction of a skill based, tiered payments system. 2. The introduction of a retention payment based on availability and training. 3. An enhanced annual uplift.

These options are outlined below and are subject to an option appraisal.

Option 1

 The introduction of a skill based, tiered payments system.

This system would take the agreed annual fostering allowances as the starting point and enhance them with an additional payment based on carer experience, training and commitment to children. All foster carers would be required to compile a portfolio to evidence learning and how it has benefited children in their care.

Benefits This would be open to all foster carers. It would recognise the importance of training and inform foster carer's practice. It would promote the professionalization

Page 20 of fostering. It would introduce a variety of tiers which foster carers could aspire to attain. It would offer a variable payment structure and promote foster carer retention.

Disadvantages It would be expensive and complex to administer. It may raise the expectation that all foster carers at tier 2 are able to manage the more complex children. It will require a process for agreeing elevation to the next tier and potentially dissatisfy foster carers who are unsuccessful.

Option 2

 Retention Payment. This is the recommended option.

This system would introduce in addition to the annually agreed uplift for foster carers, a retention payment. The payment would recognise longevity, experience and training and provide a one off annual payment to all foster carers who provide a portfolio of learning, provide an agreed number of days fostering per annum and have a successful annual fostering review. The retention payment would rise in line with duration of service.

This approach would be open to all foster carers who are able to demonstrate acquired skills and experience during the year and would be endorsed at the annual review. Should this option be approved, work would be undertaken on the more detailed criteria. One off payments would be made each year as follows:

Years 1 - 5 £500 payment Years 6 - 10 £1000 payment Years 10+ £2000 payment

Benefits This would be open to all foster carers. It will support the recruitment and retention agenda. It will reward training, experience and availability. It will promote learning and build upon the Training, support and development standards. It will provide an attractive one off payment and be simple to administer.

Disadvantages It will have a financial impact on the Council which is set out in the following table:-

Table - Loyalty and length of service costing:

Years' service as a £ per year (Annual No. of Foster carers Total £ foster carer one-off payment) 1 to 5 500 82 £41,000

6 to 10 1,000 62 £62,000 10+ 2,000 69 £138,000 Grand Total £241,000

Page 21 In summary, implementation costs of this model would be in the region of £241,000 which can be met from within budget. This is in addition to the 2% annual uplift which costs £165,432 to implement.

Option 3

 An enhanced annual uplift.

The Authority has been able to support an annual uplift of 2% which has enabled fostering allowances to remain ahead of the Government minimum rates. An increased rate of 5% or 10% would further improve that differential.

Benefits This would be straightforward to administer and build upon the current system. It would give a headline figure that may support foster carer recruitment and retention in the short term

Disadvantages This approach is a one off and does not change the basis of future foster carer payments. It does not link the enhanced allowances with availability and learning. It does not reward skills and commitment and would only serve as short term selling point.

2. Legal Issues:

Equality Act 2010 Under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, the Council must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to: * Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Act. * Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. * Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. The relevant protected characteristics are age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. Having due regard to the need to advance equality of opportunity involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to: * Remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that characteristic. * Take steps to meet the needs of persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are different from the needs of persons who do not share it. * Encourage persons who share a relevant protected characteristic to participate in public life or in any other activity in which participation by such persons is disproportionately low.

Page 22 The steps involved in meeting the needs of disabled persons that are different from the needs of persons who are not disabled include, in particular, steps to take account of disabled persons' disabilities. Having due regard to the need to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to tackle prejudice, and promote understanding. Compliance with the duties in section 149 may involve treating some persons more favourably than others. The duty cannot be delegated and must be discharged by the decision-maker. To discharge the statutory duty the decision-maker must analyse all the relevant material with the specific statutory obligations in mind. If a risk of adverse impact is identified consideration must be given to measures to avoid that impact as part of the decision making process.

The proposal is extended to all foster carers and will offer them the opportunity to enhance their learning and skills. Online training opportunities are in place. It is likely that these proposals will impact positively for any carers who find themselves with a protected characteristic.

Joint Strategic Needs Analysis (JSNA and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) The Council must have regard to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and the Joint Health & Well Being Strategy (JHWS) in coming to a decision:

Promoting the recruitment and retention of foster carers is in line with the objectives within the JSNA. 80% of children looked after are placed within fostering households, most of which are in County. This affords children good access to their families, communities and enables, in most cases, continuation of education. The stability of placements for looked after children supports the Joint Health and Emotional Wellbeing priority for Mental Health and Well Being (Children and Young People).

Crime and Disorder Under section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the Council must exercise its various functions with due regard to the likely effect of the exercise of those functions on, and the need to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area (including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment), the misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances in its area and re-offending in its area.

Placement within a family environment is often an effective way of supporting children within their communities. For those children in foster placements, there are very few incidents of criminality. For children where the risk of involvement in criminality features, a move outside of their community into foster care may

Page 23 effectively separate a young person from influences that have contributed to this and offer a base from which to make new choices.

3. Conclusion

In order to ensure that Lincolnshire remains competitive within the market, it is proposed to retain the present system of payments to foster carers and agree an annual inflationary uplift which for 2019/20 would be 2%.

In addition, and in order to recognize and encourage the retention of foster carers, the Council should introduce an annual retention payment for all foster carers who complete the relevant training, meet agreed minimum availability criteria and have a successful annual review.

4. Legal Comments: The Council has the power to approve the introduction of retention payments for foster carers as set out in the body of the report and in the recommendation to the Executive Councillor.

The decision is consistent with the Policy Framework and is within the remit of the Executive Councillor.

5. Resource Comments: Lincolnshire continues to be one of the most successful Local Authorities in providing value for money, as evidenced in the CIPFA benchmarking report, due to the high percentage of looked after children managed through internal foster carers. It is hoped that the introduction of retention payments will help to incentivise foster carers to remain with the in-house Council provision by recognising their long service, achievements and training. The retention of foster carers is key to ensuring continued value for money and the provision of good, safe, high quality care for looked after children. This additional cost can be met from existing fostering budgets.

6. Consultation

a) Has The Local Member Been Consulted? Not Applicable

b) Has The Executive Councillor Been Consulted?

Yes

Page 24 c) Scrutiny Comments

The report will be considered by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 26 April 2019 and the comments of the Committee will be reported to the Executive Councillor prior to her reaching her decision.

d) Has a Risks and Impact Analysis been carried out?

Yes e) Risks and Impact Analysis

The importance of maintaining a high level of in house foster carers is integral to business planning for Children's services. Consultation has taken place with foster carers, and from those who made direct comment, the concept of an annual retention payment was considered to be an approach that they would find attractive both in terms of reward and retention. However it is important to recognise that foster carers only regard remuneration as part of the picture and to that end, broader retention initiatives are being developed.

7. Background Papers

No background papers within Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972 were used in the preparation of this report.

This report was written by John Harris, who can be contacted on 01522 554109 or [email protected]

Page 25 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 6

Policy and Scrutiny Open Report on behalf of Heather Sandy, Interim Director of Education - Children's Services

Report to: Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Date: 26 April 2019 Subject: Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019-20

Summary: This report invites the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider a report on Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019-20 which is due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services on 29 April 2019. The views of the Scrutiny Committee will be reported to the Executive Councillor as part of her consideration of this item.

Actions Required: The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee is invited to (1) consider the attached report and to determine whether the Committee supports the recommendation(s) to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services as set out in the report.

(2) agree any additional comments to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services in relation to this item.

1. Background

The Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services is due to consider a report on Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019-20. The full report to the Executive Councillor is attached at Appendix 1 to this report.

2. Conclusion

Following consideration of the attached report, the Committee is requested to consider whether it supports the recommendation(s) in the report and whether it wishes to make any additional comments to the Executive Councillor. The Committee’s views will be reported to the Executive Councillor.

Page 27 3. Consultation

a) Have Risks and Impact Analysis been carried out?

See report to the Executive Councillor attached at Appendix 1.

b) Risks and Impact Analysis

See report to the Executive Councillor attached at Appendix 1.

4. Appendices

These are listed below and attached at the back of the report. Appendix 1 Report to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services on Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019- 20

5. Background Papers

No background papers within Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972 were used in the preparation of this report.

This report was written by Teri Marshall and Charlotte Gray, who can be contacted on 01522 553440 or 01522 553783 or [email protected] or [email protected].

Page 28

Executive Councillor

Open Report on behalf of Heather Sandy, Interim Director of Education - Children's Services

Councillor Mrs P A Bradwell OBE, Executive Report to: Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services Date: 29 April 2019 Subject: Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019-20 Decision Reference: I017557 Key decision? Yes

Summary: The Council provides subsidised transport for learners of sixth form age (extended to age 25 for learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)) to a school sixth form, college of further education or other approved setting. This costs the Council c£3m per year and the Council recovers a proportion of the cost (c£1m), through a charge to parents or students which is currently £570 per annum (£579 if paid in instalments).

Transport support is provided by the Council in recognition of its duty to ensure access to further education and training opportunities.

This report sets out the Council's proposed Post 16 Transport Policy Statement 2019/20 (the Policy) as required by section 509AA of the Education Act 1996. The Council must publish the Policy every year by 31st May.

This Policy continues to offer the same provision of transport as previous years and proposes to keep the parent/student contribution at the same level as the previous 2 years.

The DfE Guidance, issued in January 2019, particularly clarified the Council's duties relating to adult learners, those being learners who begin a new programme of learning after their 19th birthday. In Lincolnshire, transport support will be offered beyond the age of 18 for learners in receipt of an EHCP where transport support may be offered until the age of 25. The Guidance states that these learners will not be asked to make a contribution towards their transport provision where the Council have determined that it is necessary to support their transport arrangements. The Policy has been updated to reflect this.

Engagement has been undertaken on the content of the Policy to obtain the views of key stakeholders. The report reflects the findings for consideration.

Page 29 Recommendation(s): That the Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services:

1. Approves the adoption of the Policy attached at Appendix A as the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2019/20.

2. Approves the continuation of the student/parent contribution at a rate of £570 per annum (£579 if paid in instalments).

Alternatives Considered:

1. To decrease or increase the parent/student contribution.

Reasons for Recommendation: The approval and subsequent publishing and operation of the Policy attached at Appendix A, enables the Council to meet its statutory duties in relation to learners of sixth form age (25 for learners with SEND) to a school sixth form, college of further education or other approved setting.

The Policy is sustainable over the next year as described in the report and strikes a balance between continuing to be affordable to families and at the same time allows the Council to maintain its offer of support using the funds it has available.

1. Background

The Council has a statutory duty under Section 10 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 to exercise its functions so as to promote the effective participation in education or training of persons belonging to its area with a view to ensuring that those persons participate in appropriate full-time education or training, an apprenticeship or are in full-time occupation and participate in sufficient relevant training, all pursuant to Section 2 of the 2008 Act.

The Council also has a statutory duty to publish a Post 16 Transport Policy every year by 31st May, setting out the arrangements for the provision of transport or otherwise that the authority considers it necessary to make for facilitating the attendance of persons of sixth form age at:  schools;  any institution maintained or assisted by the authority which provides further education or higher education or both;  any institution within the further education sector;  any 16-19 Academy;  any other establishment at which the authority secures the provision of education or training.

Page 30 The DfE published new statutory Guidance in January 2019 that local authorities must follow and pay regard to when drawing up their Policy statements.

The Guidance states the overall intention of the 16-18 transport duty is to ensure that learners of sixth form age are able to access the education and training of their choice and ensure that if support for access is required it will be assessed and provided where necessary. The Council's duty to publish details of its transport support is also explicitly stated in the Education Act 1996, particularly with references to Sections 508 and 509.

Financial Contributions from Parents and Students

To achieve the aim of ensuring access, the Council has historically subsidised the cost of post 16 travel in Lincolnshire to support access to education and training opportunities for learners of sixth-form age. This subsidy ensures that the cost of the travel is not a barrier to accessing opportunities. Local authorities are not obliged to provide subsidised support.

This costs the Council c£3m per year and the Council recovers a proportion of the cost (c£1m), through a charge to parents or students which is currently £570 per annum (£579 if paid in instalments).

The contribution made by parents and students to the cost of post 16 transport has been maintained at a level that has not exceeded CPI inflation in recent years. The annual cost has been maintained at £570 a year for the past two years. This compares favourably with commercial fares in most cases.

Some examples of daily commercial fares are given below.

Bus/Train Return Journey 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 Bus Louth to Lincoln £8.50 £9.00 £9.00 £9.00 Bus 7 day Mega Rider (Lincoln £11.50 £12.00 £13.00 £13.00 Area) Train* Metheringham to Lincoln £4.40 £4.60 £4.70 £4.80 Bus Skegness to Boston £5.80 £6.40 £6.40 £6.00 Train* Heckington to Boston £6.10 £6.20 £6.40 £6.60 Train* Wainfleet to Boston £8.60 £8.70 £9.00 £9.20 Train* Sleaford to Grantham £6.30 £10.30 £10.60 £10.90 Bus Sleaford to Grantham £6.30 £9.00 £9.00 £7.00 Bus Long Sutton to King's Lynn £5.80 £6.20 £6.50 £6.20 Bus Louth to Grimsby £6.80 £8.20 £8.50 £8.50 Train* Market Rasen to Lincoln £8.90 £9.00 £9.30 £9.50 Bus Market Rasen to Lincoln £7.70 £8.30 £8.70 £8.70 Bus Ruskington to Lincoln £8.50 £9.00 £9.00 £9.00 Train* Gainsborough to Lincoln £8.40 £8.40 £8.70 £8.90 Train* Ruskington to Lincoln £6.80 £6.90 £7.10 £7.30

Page 31 Bus/Train Return Journey 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 Bus Gainsborough to Lincoln £7.60 £8.20 £8.50 £8.50 Bus Welbourn to Lincoln £6.60 £7.00 £7.20 £7.20 Bus Navenby to Lincoln £6.40 £6.90 £7.20 £7.20 LCC Pass Home to School or College £2.77 £3.17 £3.17 £3.17

* Young people can get up to a third off these fares by buying a young person's railcard, but travel times are restricted to mainly off peak times.

Consideration has been given to increasing the contribution to the cost of post 16 transport. The Council faces increasing budget pressures including the requirement to fully fund small but increasing numbers of adult learners transport and the increasing costs of commercial contracts and bus and train fares. It is, however, recommended that the contribution remains at £570 a year for 2019/20 because it is considered this subsidy level can still enable existing levels of service to be sustained and the Council's duties to be met.

The Policy continues to support families on low incomes by ensuring that the charge is affordable as set out above. The Council applies a flat rate charge regardless of location, which in a large rural county ensures that families in rural locations are not disadvantaged by the greater cost incurred by the Council in arranging transport in rural locations. For students with learning difficulties or disabilities, the transport needs are assessed on an individual basis. Whatever transport is specifically needed to meet the needs of individual learners, is provided at the same fixed rate charge.

Colleges, sixth forms and other providers of further education are given 'bursary funding' directly by the government, which funds are specifically provided to help learners with the cost of further education, including transport costs if appropriate. The control of these funds is in the hands of the providers. The Council makes reference to this funding source in the Policy, as required by Guidance.

Key Amended Areas of the Policy to Note

The Guidance provided a recommended template for use when devising the Policy. Officers feel this template allows for the Council to set its Policy out in a clearer easy to read format and so this template has been adopted. The content of the proposed draft Policy, which engagement was conducted on, has been moved into this new format. Other than the changes identified in this report below, wording has been re-formatted to be more concise where possible and greater clarity given, however, this has not at all altered the actual meaning of the Policy.

In respect of learners who are defined as 'relevant young adults' in the legislation, the Council is proposing to clarify its duties in accordance with the DfE Guidance issued in January 2019, by making a distinction between learners who are continuing a course of study begun before the age of 19, and those who began a new course after their 19th birthday. Where a student in one of the above categories has an EHCP that is determining their study, they will be treated as an adult learner if they are aged 19 at the start of their course (the operative date being assumed to be 1 September for these purposes). In cases like this, and in

Page 32 accordance with the DfE Guidance, such a learner will not be charged for any necessary transport provided by the local authority.

Learners aged over 19 without an EHC plan would not normally receive transport support for an education course under the Policy; unless they are a continuing learner e.g. they needed longer to complete the course. In such cases, the parent/student contribution will apply.

The Guidance also made reference to a government initiative called Care to Learn, which is available to support young parents under the age of 20 accessing education by offering funding to support childcare costs and in some cases travel costs too. Reference to this has also been included in the Policy. This does not place any additional financial burden on the Council as this is support offered directly by the government.

Engagement

The Council undertook online engagement between 1 February and 01 March 2019. Respondents were asked to give their views on the proposed Policy and to offer any opinion on changes or amendments they would like to see. In addition, a meeting was held on 12th February 2019 with stakeholders invited from across the county, including transport providers, education and training providers, student representatives, and partner organisations. Full notes of the meeting and a full copy of the survey responses are available. A summary of the feedback received during the consultation is provided below.

The online engagement produced 24 written responses, all of which were unsupportive of the proposals. However, thousands of people impacted by the Policy didn't respond. The response is therefore of a limited number of people and should not therefore be taken as evidence that the Policy or how it works is meeting with general dissatisfaction. In fact, the Policy allows many thousands of young learners to access further education, and all indications are that the vast majority accept the Policy as fair and supportive. Very few complaints have been received about the previous Policy, and the few that have been received, are mainly about non-entitlement for specific individuals.

Response to Comments

The following main points were made by respondents in the online survey and during the partnership meeting, and Officer's comments are given:

Transport should be provided free of charge

The Council, in common with most other local authorities, make a charge for the provision of post 16 transport. The Council subsidises transport so as to make transport affordable and effective for young learners. The DfE Guidance is very clear that transport for sixth form learners does not have to be offered free of charge. The income generated helps to sustain the transport offer at the Post 16 phase to ensure the Council is meeting its duty of ensuring there is access to post 16 education.

Page 33

The Designated Transport Areas (DTAs) should be reconsidered. Options are limited

Transport will be provided to the nearest sixth form or college as well as a DTA sixth form or college. This ensures that a choice of study destinations is available for all learners.

Access should be to a choice of colleges, if a preferred course is not available at the nearest college

The Council would be liable for greatly increased costs if it agreed to support transport to a further distant college on the basis of student choice. This financial pressure generated might threaten the viability of the support system at a time of constrained budgets. Most colleges also provide transport support to students to access their courses, since they are in competition with one another for students.

More specific college transport should be in place. It is difficult to access a bus directly from specific villages

Transport is provided from a point near the home (which may have to be walked to) to a point near or at the school or college. This ensures that the transport provision is comprehensive, and covers the whole county. Any student who could not be expected to make his/her own way to or from a pick up/drop off point would have their individual transport needs assessed, and appropriate arrangements made if necessary. This ensures that all learners can attend an appropriate course of study.

The Council's failure to provide transport could lead to the Council being put in 'special measures'

In accordance with the Policy, the Council will provide whatever transport is needed to ensure that all learners up to the age of 18, or beyond where the learner has SEND, can access full-time further education. The Council's policies on education transport ensure that this legal duty is met.

Attendees at the engagement meeting of 12 February 2019, expressed some reservations about the cost of transport, but welcomed the fact that the proposed charge is to be kept at the previous years' level. Concern was expressed at the requirement to pay in not more than three instalments, and that this could be a problem for some families. The Council's Officers confirmed that the first payment could itself be broken down to smaller payments. It was confirmed that providers use bursary funding from the DfE to help students pay their costs.

The meeting welcomed the proposal to include a statement about adult learners' rights, and the clarification that a 'relevant young adult' aged up to 25, with an EHCP would be provided with transport support free of charge, if this was needed, to access a new course of education or training, if the course had begun after the age of 19.

Page 34 It should be noted that an additional cost of around £75,000 is anticipated in providing free transport for 'relevant young adults'. This amount has been anticipated in financial planning.

The Council has considered very carefully the comments made. The majority of the responses are critical of the Council's Policy of charging, as can be seen above. However, most of the critical responses also assume that full-time post 16 education and training is compulsory for young learners, and the responses are partly predicated on this. However, the duty to participate is not a duty to remain in full-time education, and therefore the Council is not under a duty to provide transport free of charge, which it would have been required to do if the duty was prescriptive on learners.

Although the online survey did not attract very many direct responses, this should be considered against a background of provision, whereby the Council's provision of transport has widespread acceptance among the community. Very little comment is made about the provision, which is widely used, and is part of a network of support for young learners.

2. Legal Issues:

Equality Act 2010  Under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, the Council must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to:  Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Act  Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it  Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. The relevant protected characteristics are age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation Having due regard to the need to advance equality of opportunity involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to:  Remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that characteristic  Take steps to meet the needs of persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are different from the needs of persons who do not share it  Encourage persons who share a relevant protected characteristic to participate in public life or in any other activity in which participation by such persons is disproportionately low The steps involved in meeting the needs of disabled persons that are different from the needs of persons who are not disabled include, in particular, steps to take account of disabled persons' disabilities

Page 35 Having due regard to the need to foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it involves having due regard, in particular, to the need to tackle prejudice, and promote understanding Compliance with the duties in section 149 may involve treating some persons more favourably than others The duty cannot be delegated and must be discharged by the decision-maker. To discharge the statutory duty the decision-maker must analyse all the relevant material with the specific statutory obligations in mind. If a risk of adverse impact is identified consideration must be given to measures to avoid that impact as part of the decision making process

An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is enclosed at Appendix B in respect of the proposed Transport Policy Statement. The EIA concludes that there are potential impacts for certain groups in the protected characteristics. Mitigating actions are also set out in the EIA. In respect of disability, in particular, the individual transport needs of students and young learners are always considered and appropriate transport arrangements made. The policy is to provide transport for students to and from home to school, college or other setting. 'Home' can be a point up to three miles from a student's actual home for the purposes of operation of the policy, however this distance is always dis-applied where the young person could not be expected to walk to a school or college, or to a transport pick up point and bespoke arrangements are made for the young person as needed. Additionally, for young people with an EHCP who begin a new course of study after their 19th birthday, they will be classed as a relevant young adult and will therefore be provided with transport free of charge. The potential impacts identified are based on the fact that certain groups with a protected characteristic may be more likely to be on lower incomes. This is addressed by the affordability of the Council charge and the existence of bursaries from provider institutions which take into account ability to pay. These bursaries are provided through funding issued directly by the government to provider institutions. This is money that used to be channelled through the local authority. That is no longer the case. The Council does not itself therefore operate any kind of reductions or means tested assistance for families on low income. The flat rate charge is considered to be justifiable in a large rural county like Lincolnshire for reasons given above. Families on low incomes can apply for the bursaries referred to.

Joint Strategic Needs Analysis (JSNA and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) The Council must have regard to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and the Joint Health & Well Being Strategy (JHWS) in coming to a decision The JSNA and JHWS report on the health and wellbeing needs of the people of Lincolnshire. It brings together detailed information on local health and wellbeing needs and looks ahead at emerging challenges and projected future needs. The

Page 36 Lincolnshire JSNA and JHWS identify a number of needs that directly relate to young people. The policy on transport support under-pins the aims of the JSNA and JHWS in the following areas:

 improve health and social outcomes and reduce inequalities;  achieve potential;  improve educational attainment.

Each of the aims are specifically addressed by this policy statement, since its overriding aim is to enable young people to participate in education and training until they reach the age of 18 or beyond. For students with learning difficulties and or disabilities it is particularly important that they are allowed longer to complete this process of further education and the transport policy supports continued participation for this category until the age of 25 years where necessary.

Crime and Disorder Under section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the Council must exercise its various functions with due regard to the likely effect of the exercise of those functions on, and the need to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area (including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment), the misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances in its area and re-offending in its area The Post 16 Transport Policy Statement sets out the means by which the Council supports young people to access education and training and therefore contributes to reducing the potential for crime and disorder. In particular, by offering guaranteed transport at an affordable rate the policy enables young people to engage in purposeful activity, namely education and training, leading to recognised qualifications. This takes place in recognised settings where issues such as citizenship and community cohesion are integrated into the student offer by means of curriculum input and tutorial support.

3. Conclusion

The approval and subsequent publishing and operation of the Policy attached at Appendix A, enables the Council to meet its statutory duties in relation to learners of sixth form age (25 for learners with SEND) to a school sixth form, college of further education or other approved setting.

The Policy is sustainable over the next year as described in the report and strikes a balance between continuing to be affordable to families and at the same time allows the Council to maintain its offer of support using the funds it has available.

Consideration has been given to engagement feedback, particularly the contribution towards transport. It is felt that the contribution still provides value for money and it is recommended this is not increased this year. The contribution also ensures the medium term sustainability of the Policy, to benefit learners throughout the county.

Page 37 The decision maker is asked to consider the information here and approve the Policy as the Council's Post 16 Transport Statement for 2019/20.

4. Legal Comments: The Council is required under Section 509AA of the Education Act 1996 to prepare for each academic year a transport policy statement specifying the arrangements it considers it necessary to make for facilitating the attendance of persons of sixth form age receiving education or training at specified educational institutions. The statement is required to specify the financial assistance the Council considers it appropriate to make in fulfilling that duty. The Department for Education also publishes statutory guidance which a Local Authority must have regard to when formulating its transport statement.

This Report seeks approval to adopt and publish the post 16 transport policy statement as required by the statutory provisions attached to the Executive report which is the same as for previous years save with the amendments highlighted in the report. It would be lawful for the Executive Councillor to make a decision in accordance with the recommendation.

The proposal is consistent with the Policy Framework and within the remit of the Executive Councillor

5. Resource Comments: In accordance with DfE Guidance issued in January 2019, this paper proposes that 'relevant young adults' are not to be charged for any necessary transport costs provided by the Local Authority. As a result the expected additional cost is estimated to be £75,000 (which represents the lost income that would have been charged to these learners). It is expected that this cost will be met from existing Home to School/College budgets and offers value for money as well as meeting learners' needs.

6. Consultation

a) Has Local Member Been Consulted? n/a

b) Has Executive Councillor Been Consulted? Yes c) Scrutiny Comments The report will be considered by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 26 April 2019 and the comments of the Committee will be reported to the Executive Councillor prior to her reaching her decision.

d) Have Risks and Impact Analysis been carried out? Yes

Page 38 e) Risks and Impact Analysis

For all groups (not just those in groups that have protected status) there are some positive impacts of the proposals. The purpose of the statement is to ensure young people have reasonable choice of course at the post 16 phase of their education and have a means of accessing it. The purpose of the financial contribution is to ensure that the service offer is sustained and those living in rural areas are not any more disadvantaged in terms of costs than those living in urban areas.

7. Appendices

These are listed below and attached at the back of the report Appendix A Post 16 Education Transport Policy Statement 2019-20

Appendix B Post 16 Education and Transport Support Policy - Equality Impact Assessment

8. Background Papers

Document title Where the document can be viewed Statutory Guidance https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upload for LAs January 2019 s/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/772913/Post16_tran sport_guidance.pdf

This report was written by Teri Marshall and Charlotte Gray, who can be contacted on 01522 553440 or 01522 553783 or [email protected] or [email protected].

Page 39 This page is intentionally left blank Lincolnshire County Council Proposed Post 16 Education Transport Policy Statement 2019/20

Transport policy statement for young people aged 16-18 in further education, continuing learners aged 19 and those young people aged 19 – 24 (inclusive) with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Contact Details: Children's Services Transport Commissioning Team County Offices Newland Lincoln LN1 1YL Tel: 01522 782020, E-mail: [email protected]

Document first release: 31st May 2019

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined. 2. Aims and Objectives 3 3. Transport and Travel Support 6 3.1 From the County Council Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.1.1 Entitlement 6 3.1.2 Specialist Courses 5 3.1.3 Concessionary 6 3.1.4 Call Connect 6 3.2 Details of fares, concessions, discounts, subsidies, passes and other travel arrangements available in Lincolnshire 6 3.2.1 From local bus operators 6 3.2.2 From schools and colleges and other providers offering Post 16 courses 7 3.2.3 Contact Details of education providers and local transport companies 8 3.3 Wheels 2 Work 16 3.4 Young Parents/Care to Learn 16 4. Transport support arrangements for learners who reach the age of 19 whilst continuing on a course 18 5. Transport support for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities 18 6. Apprenticeships and internships 19 7. Independent Travel Training/Mobility training 19 8. Help with travel support outside the Local Authority Area 19 9. Appealing against a refusal to offer transport support 19 10. Further review and engagement regarding the policy 20

14. Contact Us 20

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Page 42 1. Introduction

Local authorities do not have to provide free or subsidised post 16 travel support but do have a duty to prepare and publish an annual transport policy statement specifying the arrangements for the provision of transport or other support that the authority considers it necessary to make to facilitate the attendance of all persons of sixth form age receiving education or training.

All young people carrying on their education post 16 must reapply for travel support.

‘Sixth form age’ refers to those young people who are over 16 years of age but under 19 or continuing learners who started their programme of learning before their 19th birthday.

Local authorities also have a duty to encourage, enable and assist young people with learning difficulties/disabilities to participate in education and training, up to the age of 25.

This policy uses the term ‘Post 16’ to include both learners of sixth form age and those with learning difficulties/disabilities up to the age of 25.

This policy document specifies the support that Lincolnshire County Council (the Council) considers necessary to facilitate the attendance of Post 16 learners receiving education or training.

Education or training refers to learning or training at a school, further education institution, a council maintained or assisted institution providing higher or further education, an establishment funded directly by the Education Skills Funding Agency, learning providers delivering accredited programmes of learning which lead to positive outcomes and are funded by the Council, for example, colleges, charities and private learning providers.

2. Aims and Objectives

The Council has the following aims and objectives when assessing transport / travel support:

 To enable every learner reaching school leaving age living in Lincolnshire to access a course of education or training.  To provide subsidised transport support to learners of sixth form age to the nearest or transport designated sixth form, college or other licensed provider over 3 miles from the student's home. Designated Transport Areas (DTAs) are areas drawn round colleges and schools indicating a transport entitlement. A copy of the DTAs can be found at Appendix G of the home to school/college transport policy (www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooltransport) and a list of licensed providers is included at section 3.2.3 within this policy statement.  To assess the needs of learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) on an individual basis to determine the necessary and appropriate support required of the Council to facilitate attendance.

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Page 43  To take account of the demographic makeup of the Council when determining the subsidy towards transport to include the rural nature of the county, the distances travelled by rural learners and the specific needs of SEND learners.  To ensure the support is affordable to all by maintaining the request of a flat rate contribution towards the transport for all sixth form learners, irrespective of the factors mentioned above;  To promote a partnership approach to supporting learners experiencing economic hardship by sign-posting learners to the support that is available from all partners, to include education providers through Bursary Support Funding.

3. Transport and Travel Support

3.1 From the Council

3.1.1Entitlement

The policy of the County Council is to offer transport support to young learners, to their nearest or DTA sixth form or college, or other licensed provider (DTAs are areas drawn round colleges and schools indicating a transport entitlement), subject to living more than 3 miles from the sixth form or college.

If the young person meets these criteria, the Council will offer transport support to sixth form learners subject to an annual contribution of £570 (or £579 if paid in instalments) which can be paid as follows:  A full payment of £570  In three instalments of £193  In 6 instalments of £96.50

Subject to the contribution being paid, transport support, usually in the form of a bus or train pass, will be provided.

The Council will consider any application made, and recommends that anyone who thinks they might be entitled to transport support to apply from March onwards. They can apply anytime from that month but if the application and payment is not made by 31 July there is no guarantee that transport will be in place for the beginning of the new academic year in September.

Transport can be applied for online (www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooltransport). This is the quickest and fastest way to apply. Alternatively, if an applicant is unable to access the online form, our Customer Services Centre can take an application over the phone. Failing that, application forms can be completed and sent to the transport office. Help with making applications is available by ringing 01522 782020. If a parent or learner wishes to make a paper application they can request a form from the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782020.

We will respond to your application by writing to the applicant's e-mail or postal address confirming entitlement to transport support, and enclosing details of when

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Page 44 and how payment of the learner contribution can be made where necessary. After an arrangement to pay the contribution has been made, where this is necessary, the travel details and pass are sent out. If transport support is refused an opportunity to appeal against the decision is given, where an applicant feels that the Council has not followed its own policy or the law or they believe there are exceptional circumstances that Officers need to be aware of. Details of the appeals process are provided at the time of the refusal.

The transport provision is one outward journey and one return journey, timed for the start and finish of the school or college day. Transport is provided to the main school or college sites only in most cases and transport is not normally provided to satellite sites as an entitlement. The Council will only support transport to a satellite site if this site is closer than the main campus, where an entitlement has been determined, and the satellite site is over three miles from the home address.

Transport provision made is appropriate to the location and timings of the school or college day. It may be necessary for a student to make his or her own way to and from a transport pick-up point up to three miles, if they are able to do so.

Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities may require transport support beyond the age of 18 because their further education requires attendance beyond that age. Specific details regarding the support for these learners are covered in section 5.

3.1.2 Specialist Courses

Transport support is not offered to a school or college that is not the nearest or designated one for the students address or is not the nearest that is able to meet a young person's special educational needs as defined within their Education Health and Care Plan. Additionally, account is not taken of preferred courses or specialist courses, which are not available at the nearest or designated college or school.

However, there is limited transport support available to access some specialist courses delivered from Riseholme College. These are currently:

 Agriculture (Level 2 or above)  Environmental Studies (Level 2 or above)  Horticulture (Level 2 or above)  Arboriculture (Level 2 or above)  Equine Management (Level 2 or above)

Transport support is also available under the policy to students following courses in:

 Access to Music (Lincoln only)

The above are supported if the following distance criterion is met: the distance from home to college is over 3 miles but less than 45 miles, and the student contribution is paid.

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Page 45 Transport support is also available to the following University Technical Colleges (UTC) if the chosen college is the nearest Post 16 College to the student's home address, is over three miles distant and the contribution is paid:  Lincoln UTC,  Peterborough UTC  Scunthorpe UTC

3.1.3 Concessionary

Where a young person does not qualify against the entitlement criteria described above, they may be able to utilise spare seats on contracted vehicles (non-fare paying) serving schools and colleges, where there is no commercial 'fare paying' service in the area. These are known as ‘concessionary seats’. These seats are offered at the same charging rate as for entitled learners (£570 p.a. in 2019/20) although the charge is calculated on a daily basis depending on when the seat is offered. Please ring 01522 782020 for application details. Concessionary travel/spare seat allocation is given at the discretion of the County Council's Transport Services Group (TSG) and can be withdrawn at short notice if the seat is needed for a learner entitled to transport support.

3.1.4 Call Connect

Call Connect is part of the County’s public transport network, but operates on a pre- booking basis to transport people from specific pick-up points to specific set-down locations. Anyone can use the service for any purpose, and thus it may be of use to some learners who do not qualify for a bus or train pass under the County’s policy. The service costs no more to use than standard bus services and registration is free. Call Connect cannot be booked more than a week ahead in most cases. Details can be obtained by ringing 0345 234 3344 or 01522 553143 or from the website www.lincsinterconnect.com

3.2 Details of fares, concessions, discounts, subsidies, passes and other travel arrangements available in Lincolnshire

3.2.1 From local bus operators

Provision of public transport in Lincolnshire is made largely by local bus operators, who offer services on a commercial basis. The County Council supports a number of local bus services to enable people to access services. Most operators have weekly or monthly travel card schemes, discounts and promotions and these can be confirmed with the operators directly. For some students living in urban areas and travelling on shorter journeys, the discounted schemes offered by the commercial operators may offer a cheaper alternative to that offered by the Council. Students and families living in these areas are encouraged to research their travel options before making a decision on their preferred provider. There is a website which can be used to find details of services: www.lincsbus.info. Alternatively, travel information can be obtained from Traveline on: 0871 200 22 33 or www.traveline.info. The contact

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Page 46 details for commercial operators approved by the Council are included in the contacts below.

3.2.2 From schools and colleges and other providers offering post 16 courses

Schools with sixth form provision and colleges of further education have some funding available to help students with expenses connected with their study, including travel costs. This funding is known as 'bursary funding' as follows:

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund

This provides financial support to help young people overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education.

There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

1. A vulnerable bursary of up to £1,200 a year for young people in one of the defined vulnerable groups below: • in care • care leavers • in receipt of Income Support, or Universal Credit in place of Income Support, in their own right • in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit and Disability Living or Personal Independence Payments in their own right

2. Discretionary bursaries which institutions award to meet individual needs, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment

To be eligible for the discretionary bursary young people must: • be aged 16 or over but under 19 at 31 August 2019 or • be aged 19 or over at 31 August 2019 and have an EHCP • be aged 19 or over at 31 August 2019 and continuing on a programme of learning they began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuers’) • be studying a programme that is subject to inspection by a public body which assures quality (such as Ofsted), the provision must also be funded by either a Government funding agency or the local authority

Schools and colleges are responsible for managing both types of bursary. Establishments are able to implement their own policies so we advise that they be contacted directly to discuss the support on offer and how to apply for it. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/, search for post 16 bursaries.

Additionally, some schools and colleges contract transport directly with bus operators in their area to support their students. Unfortunately we are unable to verify the exact level and method of support offered by all individual institutions and so strongly recommend that learners check for themselves any offer of support available from education providers.

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3.2.3 Contact details for education providers and local transport companies.

The following schools, colleges of further education and independent providers below, offer courses that might qualify for transport support. To find out if transport support is available to a particular provider from the Council, consult the transport policy and DTA map at Appendix G of the policy (www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooltransport). You are also advised to contact the college/school/centre you are interested in directly to ask about any support there might be available with transport. These are listed in alphabetical order below:

 Alford Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Station Rd, Alford LN13 9HY Tel: (01507) 462403 Website: www.qegs.co.uk

 Boston College, Skirbeck Road, Boston. PE21 6JF Tel: (01205) 365701 Website: www.boston.ac.uk

 Boston Grammar Schools Federation, South End, Boston, Lincs, PE21 6JY Tel: (01205) 366444 Website: www.bostongrammarschool.co.uk

 Boston High School, Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 9PF Tel: (01205) 310505 Website: www.bostonhighschool.co.uk

 Boston The John Fielding Community Special School, Ashlawn Drive, Boston, PE21 9PX Tel: 01205 363395 Website: www.johnfieldingschool.co.uk

 Bourne Academy, Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne, PE10 9DT Tel: (01778) 422365 Website: www.bourneacademy.org

 Bourne Grammar School, South Road, BOURNE, PE10 9JE Tel: (01778) 422288 Website: www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk

 Bourne Willoughby School, South Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire. PE10 9JD Tel: (01778) 425203 Website: www.willoughby.lincs.sch.uk

 Branston Community Academy, Station Road, Branston, LN4 1LH Tel: (01522) 880400 Website: www.branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

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Page 48  C G Partnership (Training Projects) Limited, 8 Queen St, Market Rasen LN8 3EH Tel: (01673) 843489 Website: www.cgpartnership.com

 Caistor Grammar School, Church Street, Caistor, LN7 6QJ Tel: (01472) 851250 Website: www.caistorgrammar.com

 Children's Links, Suite 1&4, Gymphlex Buildings, Boston Road, Horncastle LN9 6HU Tel: 01507 528300 Website: www.childrenslinks.org.uk

 Deeping St James The Deepings School, Park Road, Deeping St. James, PE6 8NF Tel: 01778 34215922 871400 Website: www.deepingschool.org.uk

 Gainsborough Aegir Community School, Gainsborough Educational Village, Sweyn Lane, Gainsborough, DN21 1PB Tel: (01427) 619360 Website: www.aegir.mayflowerspecialistschools.co.uk

 Gainsborough The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Morton Terrace, Gainsborough DN21 2ST Tel: (01427) 612354 Website: www.qehs.lincs.sch.uk

 Grantham College, Stonebridge Road, Grantham. NG31 9AP Tel: (01476) 400200 Website: www.grantham.ac.uk

 Grantham Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, Sandon Road, Grantham, NG31 9AU Tel: 01476 563017 Website: www.kestevengrantham.lincs.sch.uk

 Grantham The Grantham Sandon School, Sandon Road, Grantham, NG31 9AX Tel: 01476 564994 Website: www.ganf.org.uk

 Grantham The King's School, Brook Street, Grantham, NG31 6RP Tel: 01476 563180 Website: www.kings.lincs.sch.uk

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Page 49  Grantham Walton Girls' High School and Sixth Form, Harlaxton Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7JR01476 563251 Tel: (01476) 563251 Website: www.waltongirls.co.uk

 Grimsby Franklin College, Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby, DN34 5BY Tel: (01472 875000) Website: www.franklin.ac.uk

 Grimsby Institute, Nuns Corner, Grimsby. DN34 5BQ Tel: (0800) 315002 Website: www.grimsby.ac.uk

 Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney, Lincoln LN6 9JP Tel: (01636) 892836 Website: www.hillholtwood.com

 Holbeach University Academy Holbeach, Park Road, Holbeach, Spalding PE12 7P Tel: (01406) 423042 Website: www.universityacademyholbeach.org

 Horncastle Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, West Street, Horncastle, LN9 5AD Tel: (01507) 522465 Website: www.qegs.lincs.sch.uk

 King's Lynn College of West Anglia, Tennyson Ave Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2QW Tel: (01553) 761144 Website: www.cwa.ac.uk

 Lincoln Castle Academy, Riseholme Road, Lincoln, LN1 3SP Tel: 01522 529203 Website: www.lincolncastleacademy.co.uk

 Lincoln Christ's Hospital School, Wragby Road, Lincoln, LN2 4PN Tel: 01522 881144 Website: www.christs-hospital.lincs.sch.uk

 Lincoln College, Student Services, Monks Road, Lincoln, LN2 5HQ Tel: (01522) 876000 Website: www.lincolncollege.ac.uk

 Lincoln St Christopher’s, Hykeham Road, Lincoln, LN6 8AR Tel: 01522 528378 Website: www.lincolnstchristophers.com

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Page 50  Lincoln St. Francis Community Special School, Wickenby Crescent, Lincoln, LN1 3TJ Tel: (01522) 526498 Website: www.st-francis.lincs.sch.uk

 Lincoln St Peter and St Paul Catholic Voluntary Academy, Western Avenue, LN6 7SX Tel: 01522 871400522 871400 Website: www.sspp.lincs.sch.uk

 Lincoln The Priory Academy LSST, Cross O'Cliff Hill, Lincoln, LN5 8PW Tel: 01522 889977 871400 Website: www.priorylsst.co.uk

 Lincoln The Priory City of Lincoln Academy, Skellingthorpe Road, LN6 0EP Tel: (01522) 882800 Website: www.priorycity.co.uk

 Lincoln The Priory Ruskin Academy, Manthorpe Site, Rushcliffe Road, Grantham, NG31 8ED Tel: (01476) 410410 Website: www.prioryruskin.co.uk

 Lincoln The Priory Witham Academy, De Wint Avenue, Lincoln, LN6 7DT Tel: (01522) 882900 Website: www.priorywitham.co.uk

 Lincoln UTC, Lindum Road, Lincoln, LN2 1PF Tel: 01522 775990 Website: www.lincolnutc.co.uk

 Linkage Community Trust, Toynton Hall, Toynton All Saints, Spilsby, PE23 5AE Tel: 01790 752499 Website: www.linkage.org.uk

 Louth Academy Sixth Form College, Monks' Dyke Road, Louth, LN11 9AW Tel: (01507) 606349 Website: www.louthsixthform.co.uk (Please note that at the time of publishing, there is currently a consultation regarding the future provision of this sixth form)

 Louth King Edward VI Grammar School, Edward Street, Louth, LN11 9LL Tel: 01507 600456 Website: www.kevigs.org

 Louth St Bernard's School, Wood Lane, Louth, LN11 8RS Tel: (01507) 603776 Website: www.lwf-bernard.co.uk

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 Market Rasen De Aston School Academy Trust, Willingham Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3RF Tel:(01673) 843415 Website: www.de-aston.lincs.sch.uk

 North Hykeham North Kesteven School, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, LN6 9AG Tel: 01522 881010 Website: www.nkschool.lincs.sch.uk

 North Hykeham Sir Robert Pattinson Academy, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, LN6 9AF Tel: (01522) 882020 Website: www.srpa.co.uk/

 Old Leake The Giles Academy, Church End, Old Leake, Boston, PE22 9LD Tel: 01205 870693 871400 Website: www.gilesacademy.co.uk

 Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 4DZ Tel: 0345 872 8722 Website: www.peterborough.ac.uk

 Peterborough, Greater Peterborough UTC, Park Crescent, Peterborough, PE1 4DZ Tel: 01733 715950 Website: www.gputc.com

 Riseholme College, Riseholme Park Riseholme Lane, Lincoln LN2 2LG Tel: (01522) 895490 Website: www.bishopburton.ac.uk/riseholmecollege

 Scunthorpe John Leggott Sixth Form College, West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, DN17 1DS Tel: (01724) 282998 Website: www.leggott.ac.uk

 Scunthorpe North Lindsey College, Kingsway, Scunthorpe. DN17 1AJ Tel: (01724) 294030 Website: www.northlindsey.ac.uk

 Scunthorpe, Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, Carlton Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6TA Tel: 01724 878100 Website: www.enlutc.co.uk

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 Skegness Academy, Burgh Road, Skegness, PE25 2QH Tel: (01754) 879122 Website: www.skegnessacademy.org

 Skegness College of Vocational Training, 28 Algitha Road, Skegness, PE25 2AG Tel. (01754) 766611 Website: www.skegnesscollege.co.uk

 Skegness Grammar School Vernon Road, Skegness, PE25 2QS Tel: (01754) 610000 Website: www.sgs.lincs.sch.uk

 Skegness TEC, Heath Road, Skegness. PE25 3SY Tel 0800 389 0097 Website: www.lincsrc.co.uk

 Sleaford Carre's Grammar School Academy Trust, Northgate, Sleaford, NG34 7DD Tel: (01529) 302181 Website: www.carres.lincs.sch.uk

 Sleaford Kesteven & Sleaford High School Selective Academy, Jermyn Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7RS Tel: 01529 414 044 Website: www.kshssa.co.uk

 Sleaford St George's Academy, Westgate, Sleaford, NG34 7PP Tel: 01529 302487 871400 Website: www.st-georges-academy.org

 Spalding Grammar School, Priory Road, Spalding, PE11 2XH Tel. (01775) 765800 Website: www.spaldinggrammar.lincs.sch.uk

 Spalding High School, Stonegate, Spalding, PE11 2PJ Tel: 01775 722110 Website: www.spaldinghigh.lincs.sch.uk

 Spalding The Garth School ,Pinchbeck Road, Spalding, PE11 1QF Tel: 01775 725566 871400 Website: www.spaldingspecialschools.co.uk

 Spilsby The Eresby School, Eresby Avenue, Spilsby, PE23 5HU Tel: 01790 752441 871400 Website: www.eresbyspecialschool.co.uk

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 Stamford New College Stamford, Drift Road, Stamford. PE9 1XA Tel: (01780) 484300 Website: www.stamford.ac.uk

 Welbourn Sir William Robertson Academy Ltd, Main Road, Welbourn, LN5 0PA Tel: (01400) 272422 Website: www.swracademy.org

 Welton William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School, Lincoln Road, Welton, LN2 3JB Tel: (01522) 866900 Website: www.williamfarr.lincs.sch.uk

 YPLP, Earlesfield Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 7XQ Tel: 01476 592169 Website: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/young-people/young-peoples-learning- provision/131680.article

The following commercial operators may also offer discounted travel schemes:

 A C Williams, 1 Station Approach, Ancaster, Grantham NG32 3QY Tel: 01400 230491 Website/E-mail: http://www.acwcoaches.co.uk / [email protected]

 Brylaine Travel, 291 London Road, Wyberton, Boston PE21 7DD Tel: 01205 364087 Website/E-mail: www.brylaine.co.uk

 Centrebus, 43 Wenlock Way Leicester LE4 9H Tel: 0844 351 1120 Website/E-mail: www.centrebus.info / [email protected]

 Coach Langtoft, 4 West End, Langtoft, Peterborough PE6 9LS Tel: 01778 349102 Website/E-mail: www.coach-tour.com / [email protected]

 Delaines, 8 Spalding Road, Bourne Lincolnshire PE10 9LE Tel: 01778 422866 Website/E-mail: www.delainebuses.com / [email protected]

 Dents Coaches, The Poplars, North Kelsey, Market Rasen, Lincs. LN7 6ET Tel: 01673 828086 Website/E-mail: www.jrdentcoaches.co.uk / [email protected]

 Dickinsons, Broadgate,Wrangle Boston Lincs PE22 9DY Tel: 01205 870633 Website/E-mail: www.dickinsons-coaches.co.uk / [email protected]

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 Fowlers Coaches, 155 Dog Drove, Holbeach Drove, Spalding PE12 0SD Tel: 01406 330 232 Website/E-mail: www.fowlerstravel.co.uk / [email protected]

 Grayscroft, 15A Victoria Road, Mablethorpe Lincolnshire LN12 2AF Tel: 01507 477073 Website/E-mail: www.grayscroft.co.uk / [email protected]

 Hodsons Coaches, Skellingthorpe Road, Saxilby, Lincoln LN1 2LR Tel: 01522 706030 Website/E-mail:www.luxurycoachhirelincoln.co.uk/ [email protected]

 Hornsby Travel Services Ltd, 51 Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe, DN16 2NB Tel: 01724 282255 Website/E-mail: www.hornsbytravel.co.uk / [email protected]

 Hunts Coaches, 2-3 West Street,Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9DG Tel: 01507 463000 Website/E-mail: www.hunts-coaches.co.uk / [email protected]

 Mark Bland Travel, Maples Yard, Essendine Road, Ryhall, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 4JN Tel: 01780 751671 Website/E-mail: [email protected]

 Marshalls of Sutton on Trent, 11 Main Street, Sutton On Trent, Newark NG23 6PF Tel: 01636 822227 Website/E-mail: www.marshallscoaches.co.uk / [email protected]

 P C Coaches, 17 Crofton Road, Lincoln LN3 4NL Tel: 01522 533605 Website/E-mail: www.pccoaches.co.uk or [email protected]

 Phil Haines Coaches, Ralphs Lane Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 1QU Tel: 01205 722 359 Website/E-mail: www.philhainescaoches.co.uk / [email protected]

 Shaws Coaches, 49 High Steet, Maxey, Peterborough, PE6 9EF Tel: 01778 342224 Website/E-mail: www.shawscoaches.co.uk / [email protected]

 Skegness Travel, 38 Roman Bank, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2SL Tel: 01754 763 963 Website/E-mail: www.skegnesstravel.eclipse.co.uk

 Sleafordian Coaches, Pride Parkway, East Road, Sleaford NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 303333

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Page 55 Website/E-mail: www.sleafordian.co.uk / [email protected]

 South West Trains, Overline House, Southampton, SO15 1GW Tel: 0345 6000 650 Website/E-mail: www.southwesttrains.co.uk

 Stagecoach in the Fens, 351 Peterborough Road, Peterborough, Cambs. PE1 2PF Tel: 01733 554575 Website/E-mail: [email protected]

 Stagecoach East Midlands, Warneford House, Runcorn Road, LINCOLN LN6 3QP Tel: 0345 605 0 605 Website/E-mail: [email protected]

 Travel Wright, Brunel Buisness Park, jessop Close, Newark NG34 2AG Tel: 01636 703813 Website/E-mail: www.travelwright.co.uk / [email protected]

3.3 Wheels to work and training

Wheels 2 Work is a scheme to provide transport (normally mopeds, but also scooters and electric bicycles) for those who otherwise could not access work or training.

The scheme operates as a social enterprise and will assist post 16 students who have genuine transport needs (which will be assessed before entry on to the scheme is agreed) and to help reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETS) in the county. Please note that capacity is limited. For details of the scheme, look on the Website at www.access-your-future.com.

3.4 Young parents / Care to Learn

If you are a young parent under aged 20, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare and related travel costs, up to £160 per child per week, while you’re learning.

Care to Learn can help with the cost of:  childcare, including deposit and registration fees  a childcare ‘taster’ session (up to 5 days)  keeping your childcare place over the summer holidays  taking your child to the childcare provider

Types of child care

The childcare provider must be Ofsted registered and can be a:  childminder  pre-school playgroup

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Page 56  day nursery  out of school club If your child needs specialist childcare, the provider must also be on the Care Quality Commission’s register for specialist provision.

If you want a relative to get Care to Learn for looking after your child they need to be both:  providing registered childcare for children they’re not related to  living apart from you and your child

Payments

Childcare payments go directly to your childcare provider.

Before your childcare provider can be paid:  your childcare provider needs to confirm your child’s attendance  your school or college needs to confirm that you’re attending your course

Payments for travel costs go to your school or college - they’ll either pay you or arrange travel for you.

Attendance Payments will stop if:  you stop attending your course  you finish your course  your child stops attending childcare

Eligibility

You can get Care to Learn if:  you’re a parent aged under 20 at the start of your course  you’re the main carer for your child  you live in England  you’re either a British citizen or a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country  your course is publicly funded (check with your school or college)  your childcare provider is registered with Ofsted or the Care Quality Commission

Type of course

Care to Learn is only available for courses in England that have some public funding. This includes courses that take place in:  Schools  School sixth forms  Sixth form colleges  other colleges and learning providers, including Foundation Learning  your community at Children’s Centres

For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn/how-to-claim

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4. Transport support arrangements for learners who reach the age of 19 whilst continuing on a programme of learning

For any young person wishing to check their eligibility for transport beyond years 12 and 13, it will be necessary for them to complete a new application for consideration.

Providing the student or pupil had not reached his or her 19th birthday before the programme of learning began (a date of 1st September is used to determine the notional start date of a course), and remains otherwise eligible for transport, the support will be continued for the remainder of that school or college year only, subject to the financial contribution being paid.

Where a learner has begun their programme of learning before their 19th birthday and the Council has determined it is necessary to support the transport, they will be asked to make a contribution towards the transport support.

Transport is provided at the beginning and end of the school/college day. The transport provision is one outward journey and one return journey, timed for the start and finish of the school or college day. Transport is provided to the main school or college sites only in most cases and transport is not normally provided to satellite sites as an entitlement. The Council will only support transport to a satellite site if this site is closer than the main campus, where an entitlement has been determined, and the satellite site is over three miles from the home address.

Transport will only continue beyond the age of 18 for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities who are subject to an EHCP, when transport support may be offered until they are 25 years, if needed to complete an appropriate programme of learning. Further details regarding this are described in section 5.

5. Transport support for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities

Learners with learning difficulties/disabilities are individually assessed for transport needs and appropriate arrangements are made to ensure that their specific needs, as detailed within their EHCP, are met. Transport support for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities with an EHCP is available under the policy until they reach 25 years if necessary, in order to complete an appropriate programme of learning.

Learners with learning difficulties/disabilities who began their programme of learning before their 19th birthday (a date of 1st September is used to determine the notional start date of a course) will be asked to pay the contribution as described in section 3.1.

Learners with learning difficulties/disabilities, who began a new programme of learning after their 19th birthday and the Council have determined that it is necessary to support their transport arrangements, will not be asked to make a contribution towards the transport provision.

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Page 58 Transport is provided to the main school or college sites only in most cases and transport is not normally provided to satellite sites as an entitlement. The Council will only support transport to a satellite site if this site is closer than the main campus, where an entitlement has been determined, and the satellite site is over three miles from the home address. Many schools and colleges provide onward transport support to satellite sites. Young people are therefore encouraged to discuss these arrangements with their establishment.

6. Apprenticeships and internships

The County Council's post 16 transport support policy does not apply to apprenticeships or internships. For information on support in respect of apprenticeships, contact your apprenticeship provider or the website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

7. Independent Travel Training/Mobility training

Mobility and independence with travel training is available to eligible students who have difficulty with transport. Applications for help should be made either to the County Council by ringing 01522 782020 or by speaking to the Student Services Officer or Head of Sixth Form at the school or college. The aim of the training and support is to help bring about the confidence and develop skills needed to travel independently.

8. Help with travel support outside the Local Authority Area (LAA)

Transport support is offered on the basis of the policy criteria stated above to a school college or other further education institution that is outside the LAA boundary if it is the nearest or designated school or college to the student’s home address.

Lincolnshire based learners living in areas bordering other local authority areas are thus able to travel to centres beyond the Lincolnshire border if it is the nearest appropriate school or college to access a course, and the travelling time is reasonable (up to 75 minutes per journey). The DTAs for colleges are shown on a map at Appendix G of the Policy Document.

9. Appealing against a refusal to offer transport support

If transport support is refused (which should be given as a decision in writing, with a reason), an applicant is entitled to appeal the decision by asking for a review if the applicant feels that the Council has not applied the law or its policy correctly, or there are exceptional circumstances Officers need to be aware of when making their decision. A refusal to offer transport support will be based on the fact that one or more of the policy criteria has not been met. Details of how to appeal are given in the letter notifying the decision.

10. Further review and engagement regarding the policy

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The Post 16 Transport Policy is reviewed annually. We will seek to obtain views from parents, carers, students, education providers, transport providers and any other interested parties regarding the 2020/21 policy in February and March 2020. Following this the 2020/21 policy, inclusive of any revisions, will be published in May 2020.

11. Contact us

You can contact us in a number of ways, detailed below.

For information and queries on transport entitlement:

Transport Commissioning Team County Offices Newland LINCOLN LN1 1YL

Tel: 01522 782020 Fax: 01522 516054 Email: [email protected]

For information and queries on the transport that has been provided, tickets etc.:

Transport Services Group Lincolnshire County Council Crown House Grantham Street LINCOLN LN2 1BD

Tel: 01522 782020 Fax: 01522 568735 Email: [email protected]

For Main Office and Switchboard (all County Council services)

Lincolnshire County Council County Offices, Newland, LINCOLN LN1 1YL

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Equality Impact Analysis to enable informed decisions

The purpose of this document is to:- I. help decision makers fulfil their duties under the Equality Act 2010 and II. for you to evidence the positive and adverse impacts of the proposed change on people with protected characteristics and ways to mitigate or eliminate any adverse impacts.

Using this form This form must be updated and reviewed as your evidence on a proposal for a project/service change/policy/commissioning of a service or decommissioning of a service evolves taking into account any consultation feedback, significant changes to the proposals and data to support impacts of proposed changes. The key findings of the most up to date version of the Equality Impact Analysis must be explained in the report to the decision maker and the Equality Impact Analysis must be attached to the decision making report.

**Please make sure you read the information below so that you understand what is required under the Equality Act 2010**

Page 61 Page Equality Act 2010 The Equality Act 2010 applies to both our workforce and our customers. Under the Equality Act 2010, decision makers are under a personal duty, to have due (that is proportionate) regard to the need to protect and promote the interests of persons with protected characteristics.

Protected characteristics The protected characteristics under the Act are: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation.

Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 Section 149 requires a public authority to have due regard to the need to:  Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and any other conduct that is prohibited by/or under the Act  Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share relevant protected characteristics and persons who do not share those characteristics  Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.

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The purpose of Section 149 is to get decision makers to consider the impact their decisions may or will have on those with protected characteristics and by evidencing the impacts on people with protected characteristics decision makers should be able to demonstrate 'due regard'.

Decision makers duty under the Act Having had careful regard to the Equality Impact Analysis, and also the consultation responses, decision makers are under a personal duty to have due regard to the need to protect and promote the interests of persons with protected characteristics (see above) and to:- (i) consider and analyse how the decision is likely to affect those with protected characteristics, in practical terms, (ii) remove any unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other prohibited conduct, (iii) consider whether practical steps should be taken to mitigate or avoid any adverse consequences that the decision is likely to have, for persons with protected characteristics and, indeed, to consider whether the decision should not be taken at all, in the interests of persons with protected characteristics, (iv) consider whether steps should be taken to advance equality, foster good relations and generally promote the interests of persons with protected characteristics, either by varying the recommended decision or by taking some other decision.

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Conducting an Impact Analysis

The Equality Impact Analysis is a process to identify the impact or likely impact a project, proposed service change, commissioning, decommissioning or policy will have on people with protected characteristics listed above. It should be considered at the beginning of the decision making process.

The Lead Officer responsibility This is the person writing the report for the decision maker. It is the responsibility of the Lead Officer to make sure that the Equality Impact Analysis is robust and proportionate to the decision being taken.

Summary of findings You must provide a clear and concise summary of the key findings of this Equality Impact Analysis in the decision making report and attach this Equality Impact Analysis to the report.

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Impact – definition

An impact is an intentional or unintentional lasting consequence or significant change to people's lives brought about by an action or series of actions.

How much detail to include? The Equality Impact Analysis should be proportionate to the impact of proposed change. In deciding this asking simple questions “Who might be affected by this decision?” "Which protected characteristics might be affected?" and “How might they be affected?” will help you consider the extent to which you already have evidence, information and data, and where there are gaps that you will need to explore. Ensure the source and date of any existing data is referenced. You must consider both obvious and any less obvious impacts. Engaging with people with the protected characteristics will help you to identify less obvious impacts as these groups share their perspectives with you.

Page 63 Page A given proposal may have a positive impact on one or more protected characteristics and have an adverse impact on others. You must capture these differences in this form to help decision makers to arrive at a view as to where the balance of advantage or disadvantage lies. If an adverse impact is unavoidable then it must be clearly justified and recorded as such, with an explanation as to why no steps can be taken to avoid the impact. Consequences must be included.

Proposals for more than one option If more than one option is being proposed you must ensure that the Equality Impact Analysis covers all options. Depending on the circumstances, it may be more appropriate to complete an Equality Impact Analysis for each option.

The information you provide in this form must be sufficient to allow the decision maker to fulfil their role as above. You must include the latest version of the Equality Impact Analysis with the report to the decision maker. Please be aware that the information in this form must be able to stand up to legal challenge.

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Background Information

Title of the policy / project / service Post 16 Transport Policy – updated 2019 Person / people completing analysis Children's Commissioning - Transport being considered Team

Service Area Children's Commissioning - Transport Lead Officer Teri Marshall – Education Transport Manager

Who is the decision maker? Councillor Mrs P Bradwell How was the Equality Impact Analysis Review of policy during consultation with undertaken? stakeholders 2019. Page 64 Page

Date of meeting when decision will 26/04/2019 Version control 1.0 be made

Is this proposed change to an Existing policy/service/project LCC directly delivered, commissioned, Commissioned existing policy/service/project or is re-commissioned or de- it new? commissioned?

Describe the proposed change Proposed change to clarify the offer to those young people who have an EHCP and are over the age of 19 years old when starting a new course. No other changes proposed regarding the financial contribution for post 16 or the eligibility criteria.

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Evidencing the impacts In this section you will explain the difference that proposed changes are likely to make on people with protected characteristics. To help you do this first consider the impacts the proposed changes may have on people without protected characteristics before then considering the impacts the proposed changes may have on people with protected characteristics.

You must evidence here who will benefit and how they will benefit. If there are no benefits that you can identify please state 'No perceived benefit' under the relevant protected characteristic. You can add sub categories under the protected characteristics to make clear the impacts. For example under Age you may have considered the impact on 0-5 year olds or people aged 65 and over, under Race you may have considered Eastern European migrants, under Sex you may have considered specific impacts on men.

Data to support impacts of proposed changes When considering the equality impact of a decision it is important to know who the people are that will be affected by any change.

Population data and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

Page 65 Page The Lincolnshire Research Observatory (LRO) holds a range of population data by the protected characteristics. This can help put a decision into context. Visit the LRO website and its population theme page by following this link: http://www.research-lincs.org.uk If you cannot find what you are looking for, or need more information, please contact the LRO team. You will also find information about the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment on the LRO website.

Workforce profiles

You can obtain information by many of the protected characteristics for the Council's workforce and comparisons with the labour market st on the Council's website. As of 1 April 2015, managers can obtain workforce profile data by the protected characteristics for their specific areas using Agresso.

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Positive impacts The proposed change may have the following positive impacts on persons with protected characteristics – If no positive impact, please state 'no positive impact'.

Age All entitled students must pay a contribution towards transport costs. The users of the service are primarily year 12 and 13 school students (16 – 18 years of age), but also SEND learners aged up to 25. The age of the pupils benefitting from the policy remains the same. The proposal is that the financial contribution will remain the same for 2019 with no increase. It is felt that the contribution is currently set at level which helps to stabilise the subsidy required from the Council, in order to continue to sustain the policy in the medium term. The proposal to clarify the duties for SEND learners who begin a course after their 19th birthday will have a positive impact for the students as they will be able to benefit from free transport.

Disability All entitled students of sixth form age must pay a contribution towards transport costs. The users of the service must pay this regardless of recognised learning difficulties and/or physical disability. The proposal is that the financial contribution

Page 66 Page will remain the same for sixth form learners in 2019 with no increase. It is felt that the contribution is currently set at level which helps to stabilise the subsidy required from the Council, in order to continue to sustain the policy in the medium term. The financial contribution from students with a recognised disability and/or learning disability will remain at a flat rate cost across the county to ensure it remains affordable for students and parents. The clarification in the policy is that for those students who have an EHCP, who are starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts, they will be provided with necessary transport free of charge. This is because these learners are relevant adult learners and fall under this legislation.

Gender reassignment The transport entitlement offer and financial contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of gender reassignment. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all those that meet this criteria regardless of gender reassignment. Marriage and civil partnership The transport entitlement offer and contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of marriage and civil partnership. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all those that meet this criteria regardless of marriage and civil partnership. Pregnancy and maternity The transport entitlement offer and contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of pregnancy and maternity. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all that meet this criteria regardless of pregnancy and maternity. Reference is also made within the Policy to the government's Care to Learn initiative which helps to support young parents under the age of 20 with access to education through available funding to support childcare costs and

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transport costs in some cases. This is a government initiative and applications and enquiries are therefore made directly to the DfE.

Race The transport entitlement offer and contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of race. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all that meet this criteria regardless of race.

Religion or belief The transport entitlement offer and contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of religion or belief. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all that meet this criteria regardless of religion or belief.

Sex The transport entitlement offer and contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of sex. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all that meet this criteria regardless of sex. Page 67 Page Sexual orientation The transport entitlement offer and contribution for 2019 remains the same regardless of sexual orientation. The proposal to remove the post 16 charge for those who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts will apply to all that meet this criteria regardless of sexual orientation.

If you have identified positive impacts for other groups not specifically covered by the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010 you can include them here if it will help the decision maker to make an informed decision.

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For all groups (not merely those in groups that have protected status), there are some positive impacts of the proposals. The purpose of the policy is to ensure access to Post 16 education across the county, but to also ensure that the service is sustainable in the medium term. This will indirectly support bus and taxi providers by maintaining a major customer base and providing income. This will in turn support the local (particularly rural) population by maintaining local bus services and taxi firms. Maintained transport support will have a positive impact on the local economy and will help support people living in rural areas. They will be less likely to move to larger centres of population to be nearer secondary schools and colleges. The 2019 post 16 transport policy will continue to offer transport support county wide. The flat rate contribution continues to ensure that rural students, whose transport provision is usually more expensive, are not disadvantaged when compared with their peers based on where they live. The proposal to remove the charge for those young adults who have an EHCP, starting a new course and are over the age of 19 on the 1st September of the year the course starts, will improve their opportunity to access further education when they meet the qualifying criteria. Page 68 Page

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Adverse/negative impacts You must evidence how people with protected characteristics will be adversely impacted and any proposed mitigation to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts. An adverse impact causes disadvantage or exclusion. If such an impact is identified please state how, as far as possible, it is justified; eliminated; minimised or counter balanced by other measures. If there are no adverse impacts that you can identify please state 'No perceived adverse impact' under the relevant protected characteristic.

Negative impacts of the proposed change and practical steps to mitigate or avoid any adverse consequences on people with protected characteristics are detailed below. If you have not identified any mitigating action to reduce an adverse impact please state 'No mitigating action identified'.

Age Younger people (age 16 – 18) are more likely than the general population to be users of public transport due to driving licence age and cost of private transport. Colleges are more likely to be a longer distance from the home than the primary Page 69 Page or secondary school as there are fewer of them and they tend to be sited in major centres of population. Therefore, this group of students/parents may be more reliant on LCC home to school transport. Mitigating action. Survey asking for their opinions – which will be considered at the decision time. There is no increase in charge proposed within the 2019 policy. Parents/carers/students can apply to their chosen school/college for a bursary which if granted may contribute towards transport costs.

Disability Students and parents/carers who have recognised learning difficulties and/or physical disability are more likely to have lower disposable income as they may be less likely to be in secure well paid employment. If the parents/carers are more likely to have lower disposable income, they may be less likely to have access to private transport. Colleges are more likely to be a longer distance from the home for rural based students than the primary or secondary school as there are fewer of them and they tend to be sited in major centres of population. Therefore, this group of students/parents may be more reliant on LCC home to school transport. An increase in cost may disproportionately affect this group. Students with SEND may stay in education until the age of 25 and therefore may be required to pay a contribution towards transport for longer. Mitigating action. Survey asking for their opinions – which will be considered at the decision time. There is no increase in charge proposed for the 2019 policy. Parents/carers/students can apply to their chosen school/college for a bursary which if granted may contribute towards transport costs. Students staying in education up to age 25 will have their transport support offered for longer and the transport will continue to be affordable when compared with other transport solutions within the county. For those who start their course after their 19th birthday and are in receipt of an EHCP, any necessary transport will be offered free of charge.

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Gender reassignment No mitigating action identified

Marriage and civil partnership No mitigating action identified

Pregnancy and maternity Students who fall within this category may find it difficult to access education due to the cost of childcare or the associated travel costs. Mitigating action. Reference is made within the Policy to the government's Care to Learn initiative which helps to support Page 70 Page young parents under the age of 20 with access to education by funding childcare costs and transport costs in some cases. Race The transport policy booklets, application forms and online information are printed in English and the transport applications are completed in English. People whose first language is other than English may have difficulty in understanding the letter/survey. Mitigating action. The policy booklet and LCC website ask people to contact the Council if they need help with reading the information. Also liaison with relevant schools and colleges helps to ensure important information is relayed to parents in an appropriate way.

Religion or belief No mitigating action identified

Sex No mitigating action identified

Sexual orientation No mitigating action identified

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If you have identified negative impacts for other groups not specifically covered by the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 you can include them here if it will help the decision maker to make an informed decision. There are no other negative impacts identified for other groups. Page 71 Page

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Stakeholders

Stake holders are people or groups who may be directly affected (primary stakeholders) and indirectly affected (secondary stakeholders)

You must evidence here who you involved in gathering your evidence about benefits, adverse impacts and practical steps to mitigate or avoid any adverse consequences. You must be confident that any engagement was meaningful. The Community engagement team can help you to do this and you can contact them at [email protected]

State clearly what (if any) consultation or engagement activity took place by stating who you involved when compiling this EIA under the protected characteristics. Include organisations you invited and organisations who attended, the date(s) they were involved and method of involvement i.e. Equality Impact Analysis workshop/email/telephone conversation/meeting/consultation. State clearly the objectives of the EIA Page 72 Page consultation and findings from the EIA consultation under each of the protected characteristics. If you have not covered any of the protected

characteristics please state the reasons why they were not consulted/engaged.

Objective(s) of the EIA consultation/engagement activity

To identify the groups of people we want to engage in the survey To identify barriers that may prevent people from receiving, reading, understanding and returning the letter/survey To identify mitigating actions to maximise the completed surveys returned To evaluate the survey findings. To implement agreed changes. To produce a Policy Statement on the DfE's suggested template.

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Who was involved in the EIA consultation/engagement activity? Detail any findings identified by the protected characteristic

Age Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Disability Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Gender reassignment Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey Page 73 Page

Marriage and civil partnership Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Pregnancy and maternity Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Race Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Religion or belief Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

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Sex Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Sexual orientation Snap Survey for young people, transport providers and education providers, direct engagement with education and transport providers, utilisation of social media and direct contact made with key interest groups to sign post to the survey

Are you confident that everyone who All stakeholders were invited to comment on the proposed policy and add comments on the snap survey between the 1st should have been involved in producing February and the 1st March. All education providers, transport providers and interested parties were invited to attend a face this version of the Equality Impact to face meeting on the 12th February 2019. Regular social media updates, school news updates and email reminders were Analysis has been involved in a meaningful way? sent before and during the consultation period. All views received have been considered and reported to the Children and The purpose is to make sure you have got Young People's Scrutiny Committee on 26th April 2019 for a formal decision to be made by Councillor Bradwell regarding the the perspective of all the protected adoption of the proposed transport policy statement for 2019/20. characteristics. Once the changes have been Page 74 Page We will take into account views from Parents, Carers and young people including schools and colleges which has to be implemented how will you undertake balanced with what the Council is able to offer given the financial constraints it is bound by. The results of the 2019 evaluation of the benefits and how engagement process will be collated and summarised. We will monitor the take up of Post 16 transport support during the effective the actions to reduce adverse impacts have been? 2019/20 academic to see if the Post 16 transport policy continues to be sustainable and meet the needs of young people in Lincolnshire.

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Further Details

Are you handling personal data? No

If yes, please give details.

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Actions required Action Lead officer Timescale Include any actions identified in this Review of the effects of the policy during Teri Marshall – Education Transport September 2019 to April 2020 analysis for on-going monitoring of 2019/20 Manager impacts.

Created/amended Date Approved by Date Version Description by created/amended approved 1.0 Issued following statutory duty to consult annually on Teri Marshalll 20/03/19 Charlotte Gray 20/03/19 the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement

Examples of a Description: 'Version issued as part of procurement documentation' 'Issued following discussion with community groups' 'Issued following requirement for a service change; Issued following discussion with supplier'

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This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 7

Policy and Scrutiny

Open Report on behalf of Glen Garrod, Executive Director Adult Care and Community Wellbeing

Report to: Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Date: 26 April 2019 Subject: Refresh of Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy KeDecision y decision? Reference: No Summary: The purpose of this report is to present to Members details of the refresh of Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy for their information and comment.

Actions Required: That the Scrutiny Committee note and consider the report.

1. Background

In April 2015, Lincolnshire's first local All-Age Autism Strategy was launched in response to the government's national Adult Autism Strategy for England and its accompanying Statutory Guidance.

This three year strategy was jointly developed by Lincolnshire County Council, the four Lincolnshire CCG's and the Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board (LAPB), following a comprehensive period of engagement and consultation activity with multi-agency stakeholders, autistic people and family members/carers.

As this three year period has now come to an end, it has been necessary to refresh the strategy taking into account both the national and local focus around this agenda.

Some of the key strategic programmes of work within the original strategy action plan to improve services and support in Lincolnshire include the following;

 Provision of training resources to raise autism awareness  Establish a multi-agency Autism Champions Network to improve understanding and acceptance of autism across services, and share good practice  Development of an Autism Reasonable Adjustments Mark to review the accessibility of services for autistic people  Launch of a virtual Autism Information Hub providing information and advice about autism, as well as local services and support that are available  Introduction of an Autism JSNA Topic, meaning it is recognised as a key condition in its own right as part of Lincolnshire's Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Page 77 Good progress has been made over the last three years to raise awareness of autism and to drive improvements in Lincolnshire. However, it is acknowledged nationally that much more is required to ensure that autistic people receive the services and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

This is highlighted by the intentions set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, which recognises that services and support for autistic people is a key priority theme to improve. The government has also recently consulted on intentions to make autism training mandatory for all health and social care staff.

Additionally, the government are currently conducting a formal review of the national autism strategy and have announced that this will be extended to include children and young people. This reinforces the decision made back in 2014 for Lincolnshire to develop a local all-age strategy.

The refresh of Lincolnshire's Autism Strategy has recently been completed to set out the aims and objectives over the next three year period. This builds on what has been achieved over the previous three years and takes into account the key priorities identified locally that need to be improved. It also reflects the national challenges that have been indicated by the government and forthcoming changes to the national strategy that we may need to consider and adapt to.

2. Conclusion N/A

3. Consultation

a) Have Risks and Impact Analysis been carried out? No

b) Risks and Impact Analysis

N/A

4. Appendices

These are listed below and attached at the back of the report. Appendix A Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy 2019 – 2022

5. Background Papers

No background papers within Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972 were used in the preparation of this report.

This report was written by Rob Barber, Commissioning Officer, Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, who can be contacted on 01522 555380 or [email protected].

Page 78

Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy 2019 – 2022

1 Page 79

Contents

Introductions ...... 3 Executive Summary ...... 5 Background ...... 6 What is Autism? ...... 7 Local Prevalence ...... 7 Delivering our Local Strategy ...... 9 What has been achieved in the last 3 years? ...... 10 Transforming Care ...... 13 Developments for children and young people ...... 14 Autism Statutory Guidance requirements ...... 15 Think Autism strategy governance refresh and review of the national strategy ...... 17 15 Priority Challenges for Action ...... 18 What are our priorities for the next 3 years? ...... 19 Lincolnshire All-Age Autism Strategy – Action Plan (2018-2021) ...... 21 Glossary of abbreviations ...... 32

The 'Autism Lincs' logo displayed on the front cover of this strategy is used as the formal branding for the Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board. It was kindly developed by Joel Watkin-Groves, an autistic designer from Lincolnshire, and we wish to thank Joel for his time in producing the logo and allowing us to use it.

Footnote:

Throughout the course of this strategy we use the term 'autism' as an umbrella to cover the range of diagnostic terms that exist to describe particular autism profiles, such as 'Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)', 'Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)', 'Asperger Syndrome' and 'classic autism'.

We recognise that when describing people on the autism spectrum there is no single term that everyone prefers. In recent years there has been a shift towards more positive and assertive language being used, particularly among autistic communities where autism is seen as integral to the person. Therefore, when referring to autism, and in particular about adults, we have used the term 'autistic people' within the strategy. However, where children have been referenced, we have used a 'person first, disability/condition second' approach in line with national publications, such as the SEND Code of Practice.

2 Page 80 Introduction

It has been 10 years since the introduction of the Autism Act in 2009 and four years since Lincolnshire launched its All-Age Autism Strategy in 2015. During that time I have been employed as an Expert by Experience in a strategic commissioning role to promote autism issues and raise understanding within Lincolnshire. As the lead for the A-Team Network for the Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board (LAPB), and through my national work for the Westminster Commission on Autism, the National Autistic Society and as a selected member of the Advisory Group for the All Part Parliamentary Group on Autism, I have a privileged view of how changes are happening both locally and nationally. We are living through difficult times with limited budgets both in the social care and health sectors and there are times when it must seem that progress is frustratingly slow or even Jo Minchin non-existent for autistic people and those who care for Autism Expert by Experience them. South West Lincolnshire CCG

I am often asked how things have changed for us in Lincolnshire. First of all, here I am, an actually autistic person, writing an introduction to Lincolnshire’s Autism Strategy. If there were just one thing to demonstrate that autistic voices are being heard and amplified where it matters, this is it. As we move forward with this new strategy and the focus that we now have on autism in Lincolnshire, I will continue to engage with local and national forums and find new ways to make it possible for more autistic people to have their say.

We have done a lot to create structures within local services to cater for autistic people, but it can look from the outside as though not much has been happening. Change takes time in big organisations like the NHS and the County Council, and many things we have done have been targeted at very specific needs, such as our work around Transforming Care, which was used as an example of good practice by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). My mantra will be, ‘What does this actually do for autistic people in Lincolnshire when they start looking for help?’ I hope that by the time we write the next Lincolnshire Autism Strategy, more autistic voices will be heard and involved in the work of the LAPB. Come and join us, tell me what you need to make it less daunting for you.

As Chair of the Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the board members and the officers whose efforts have produced this updated strategy. Our focus is to improve access to services for autistic people and I look forward to delivering on our key priorities over the next three years.

Richard Eccles

Chief Commissioning Manager for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism South West Lincolnshire CCG

3 Page 81 Executive Introduction

We are pleased to present Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy 2019-2022, which has been developed by the Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board (LAPB). This builds upon the work that has already been progressed as part of the first local autism strategy for the county that was launched in 2015.

The purpose of this strategy is to set out our objectives and strategic direction over the next three years. We want to support autistic people of all ages and their families, so that they have an equal opportunity to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. This document outlines our commitment in Lincolnshire to do more to help autistic people and how we intend to deliver on the objectives set out within the national autism strategy at a local level.

The LAPB is responsible for overseeing the delivery of this strategy. It consists of a range of representatives from partner organisations and stakeholders, who are working in collaboration to try to push this agenda forward and develop ways of improving services and support for autistic people. The LAPB includes professionals from health and social care, education, mainstream public services, voluntary sector organisations and, importantly, autistic people and their family members and carers.

In developing our local autism strategy, the main focus has been on how we can achieve the 15 Priority Challenges for Action that are set out in the government's national autism strategy. We have identified some key themes and issues locally that we will aim to prioritise and we will implement an action plan to address the concerns that are of most importance to autistic people and their families in Lincolnshire.

We welcome as many public services, partner organisations and members of the community joining us to help deliver this strategy and ensure that Lincolnshire is a place that respects and supports all autistic people who live here.

Councillor Patricia Bradwell OBE John Turner Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Chief Officer, South Lincolnshire CCG Health Services and Children's Services and South West Lincolnshire CCG

4 Page 82 Executive Summary

This strategy has been produced in response to the government's national autism strategy for England. It replaces the Lincolnshire All-Age Autism Strategy 2015-2018, which was the first local autism strategy for the county. The Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board (LAPB) is responsible for developing and implementing the local strategy. This document sets out;

 National and local drivers that have influenced the development of this strategy, along with key local prevalence data  How the local strategy is being delivered and what we have achieved in Lincolnshire since the original strategy was launched in 2015  The key objectives and outcomes for autism services and support in Lincolnshire, including an action plan outlining the work programme over the next three years

A set of 15 Priority Challenges for Action were included within the national adult autism strategy refresh, Think Autism, and this forms the basis of our strategy and action plan in Lincolnshire. We engaged with stakeholders to determine which of these priorities people felt were of most importance and this highlighted the following key challenges locally;

 Getting a timely diagnosis and support throughout the process  Everyday services make reasonable adjustments and staff are aware of autism  Support through transitions and other major life changes  Recognising an individual's autism and adapting support for additional needs and challenging behaviour  Making sure family/carers get the help and support they need

Four Autism Self-Assessment Framework (SAF) exercises have been conducted by the government since 2010 to monitor progress in delivering the national autism strategy. This has enabled the LAPB to identify key areas where progress and improvement is required, and these are addressed within the strategy action plan.

In 2018, the government published a Think Autism strategy governance refresh policy document. This followed agreement with stakeholders that progress to implement the national strategy has not been as quick as envisaged. A revised governance model has been established, which centres on 19 overarching strategic objectives. Again, our local strategy action plan takes these into account.

Additionally, the government announced in late 2018 that a national autism strategy review will be conducted during 2019, which will see the strategy extended to include children and young people. As we already have an all-age autism strategy for Lincolnshire, this reinforces the approach we previously agreed to take to consider and support the needs of autistic people of all ages.

The NHS Long Term Plan was also released at the beginning of 2019. This has highlighted learning disabilities and autism among the key priorities for NHS services over the next 5-10 years and sets out a series of commitments to improve the services and support currently being provided.

We have an ambitious vision for Lincolnshire demonstrated by the objectives and priorities set out in our strategic action plan. It should be noted that the delivery of the autism strategy is on the backdrop of no specific additional funding being allocated at either a local or national level and is on the basis of the goodwill and efforts of the multi-agency partners, autistic people and family members involved in the LAPB.

5 Page 83 Background

Following the introduction of the Autism Act 2009, the government's first strategy for autistic adults in England, Fulfilling and rewarding lives, was published in 2010. This addressed the long term ambitions about how public services must reflect and adapt to the needs of autistic adults. It set out the government's overarching vision;

‘All adults with autism are able to live fulfilling and rewarding lives within a society that accepts and understands them. They can get a diagnosis and access support if they need it, and they can depend on mainstream public services to treat them fairly as individuals, helping them make the most of their talents.’ (Fulfilling and rewarding lives: the strategy for adults with autism in England, 2010)

The national strategy was refreshed in 2014 with the release of Think Autism. This sets out a programme of action to improve the lives of autistic people and brings a renewed emphasis on involvement and awareness of autism within the local community, as well as ways to look differently at support and engagement. A series of 15 Priority Challenges for Action are identified to highlight the key themes that the strategy aims to deliver. The government announced in late 2018 that a national autism strategy review will be conducted during 2019, which will see the strategy extended to include children and young people.

Statutory guidance was produced in 2010 (and updated in 2015) to accompany the national adult autism strategy. It sets out responsibilities and legal duties that Local Authorities and NHS bodies must achieve in line with the Autism Act 2009. It also specifies responsibilities that should be delivered and achieved to ensure autistic people are supported.

The Care Act 2014 provides a coherent approach to adult social care in England and sets out new duties for local authorities and partners and new rights of service users and carers. Some of the responsibilities placed on local authorities through the Autism Act 2009 and accompanying papers are strengthened by the introduction of the Care Act, as the new legislation highlights the need for improvement of services and support for autistic people.

Similarly, the Children and Families Act 2014 does the same and has an emphasis on personalisation, outcomes and integration of services. It provides a change in the way services provide support for children, young people and those with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and focuses on the best outcomes for each individual.

In 2015, Building the Right Support, a national plan to develop community services and close inpatient facilities for people with a learning disability and/or autism who display behaviour that challenges, including those with a mental health condition, was published. The document sets out a requirement for Clinical Commissioning Groups, Local Authorities and NHS England to work together to develop local Transforming Care Partnerships.

Lincolnshire's local Transforming Care Plan outlines the responsibility for the planning, development and implementation of changes and this feeds into the Lincolnshire Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP). This is a five year plan, submitted to NHS England, setting out how health and care services will be provided differently by 2021. It has been produced and signed up to by the seven key NHS organisations in Lincolnshire and outlines actions that will be taken to improve services in order to meet the needs of the population and make them sustainable for the future.

The NHS Long Term Plan, released in early 2019, has highlighted learning disabilities and autism among the key priorities for NHS services over the next 5-10 years, and sets out a series of commitments to improve the services and support currently being provided.

6 Page 84 What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong condition that can be very disabling. It is a spectrum disorder; this means that despite there being a shared core of symptoms, everyone who has autism experiences it differently and is affected in different ways.

Autistic people often experience sensory difficulties, such as over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. It is also more likely that autistic people will experience higher levels of stress than someone not on the spectrum, which makes mental health needs more likely. However, every person's experience of autism is unique and they will have a range of strengths alongside their needs, just like every individual.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, has been updated and the diagnostic criteria is now much clearer and simpler, and sensory behaviours are now included. It has replaced the variety of different diagnostic terms to describe particular autism profiles, such as 'Asperger Syndrome' and 'classic autism', with the collective term 'autism spectrum disorder'.

The manual defines autism spectrum disorder as having two main areas of difficulty that all autistic people are likely to share;

 Persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction  Restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests

The revised edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which is the most commonly-used diagnostic manual in the UK, is now closely aligned with the updates made to autism diagnosis within the DSM-5 edition.

Local Prevalence

Autism is a relatively new condition – it was not until the 1940's that it was recognised as a distinct condition – and it is only in recent years that research has improved our understanding and increased the number of diagnoses. Therefore, older generations of the population would not have been screened for autism and when those people were younger, only classic autism is likely to have been recognised. However, it is accepted that the prevalence of autism is not actually increasing like an epidemic and the proportion of older autistic people is likely to be similar to the proportion of children.

National research and expert analysis suggests there are over 700,000 autistic people in the UK – more than 1 in every 100 individuals.

Based on the indication that 1.1% of the UK population is autistic, it is estimated that there are over 8,100 autistic people in Lincolnshire (applying this prevalence rate to the Office for National Statistics population estimates for Lincolnshire in 2016).

However, determining the exact number of autistic people living in the county is extremely difficult. A key issue is the gap in terms of estimated numbers of autistic people and the capacity of the NHS to offer diagnosis. In many cases though, autistic people are at present unknown to the NHS or to the local authority. It is recognised that there may be many people who are not disabled by their autism and so would not benefit from or pursue a diagnosis.

7 Page 85 Details of some available information on autism in Lincolnshire include the following;

 Data provided by the Lincolnshire CCG's from 2015 identified 3,822 people registered with a GP Practice in Lincolnshire recorded as being autistic

 Of this total, 80% were male and 72% were under the age of 18 - this equates to 2,750 children and young people with autism in Lincolnshire

 In contrast, using the projected population data from the Office for National Statistics from 2016, it is estimated that there are around 1,570 people aged 0-17 in Lincolnshire with autism (based on the 1.1% prevalence rate)

 The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) topic for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) illustrates that 812 (22%) of the school population with an EHC Plan have autism identified as their primary special educational need

 In addition to those young people with an EHC Plan, around 7% (963) of the school population who receive SEN Support have autism recorded as their primary special educational need (NB: these figures do not take into account pupils for whom autism is a secondary or additional element of their special educational needs)

 The School Census indicates that there are 1,175 pupils in the school population where autism is identified as their primary special educational need (NB: currently 19% of young people with an EHC Plan attend educational settings that do not record on the School Census)

 The DHSC national prevalence study, published by the Projecting Adult Needs and Service Information Systems (PANSI) and the Projecting Older People Population Information (POPPI), has projected that the total number of autistic adults in Lincolnshire in 2017 was 5,886

 The above data indicates that the projected number of autistic adults in Lincolnshire aged 18-64 is likely to remain at just under 4,250 people over the next 15-20 years

 However, a 40% increase in autistic people is projected among older people aged 65 and over between 2017 and 2035, and in terms of the overall adult autistic population in Lincolnshire, this is expected to increase by just under 700 people in the same period

 There are 394 people in receipt of an adult social care service in Lincolnshire who have autism recorded as a health condition as at March 2018 (based on Short and Long Term (SALT) data)

 Of these, 383 people are aged 18-64, with just eleven people aged over 65 in receipt of adult social care who have a recorded health condition of autism

8 Page 86 Delivering our Local Strategy

The strategy and action plan will be overseen by the LAPB, which will take a leadership role for the delivery of key pieces of work to implement our strategic objectives. There are four key strategic programmes in place to deliver the local Autism Strategy;

Involvement Awareness & & Training Collaboration

Data & Service Information Provision

Working Groups were established in 2015 as part of the first Lincolnshire All-Age Autism Strategy for each of these programmes of work. These sit beneath the Partnership Board, which monitors the progress being made to deliver tasks and projects within each programme and provides a steer and strategic direction.

The 'Involvement & Collaboration' element encompasses three specific groups that have been introduced to enhance opportunities for people with a lived experience of autism to be involved in the LAPB and help inform decisions.

 The A-Team Network is predominantly for autistic people and family members/carers and is led by the Autism Expert By Experience Worker, employed by South West Lincolnshire CCG, utilising both physical and online meetings to help co-produce work.

 The Autism Lived Experience Forum is also led by an autistic individual and provides an opportunity in an informal environment for people with a personal and/or professional interest in autism to share their experiences and concerns about services and support, and to discuss particular themes and subjects.

 Lincolnshire Young Voices is a group that has recently been established to give children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) the chance to raise issues and inspire change.

In terms of governance, the LAPB is accountable to and, when necessary, reports into;

 Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board  Specialist Adult Services Joint Delivery Board  Women and Children's Joint Delivery Board

9 Page 87 What has been achieved in the last 3 years?

In response to the national strategy, Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy 2015-2018 was launched in April 2015.

The decision to establish an all-age strategy came about following a series of engagement and public consultation activity over the preceding years. The feedback from this highlighted that the transition from children's to adults' services was a major issue. Both the public and professionals recognised the challenges facing autistic children and their families, and the need to improve services and support for autistic people of all ages, not just adults.

Additionally, in 2014, the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children's Board and the council's Children's Services Directorate jointly commissioned the Independent review of services for Children and Young People with Autism in Lincolnshire. The aim of this review, which was completed by the National Autistic Society, was to look at how agencies in Lincolnshire respond to autistic children and young people. The key themes and recommendations from the review were incorporated into the action plan for Lincolnshire's Autism Strategy.

The LAPB was given responsibility for overseeing the delivery of the strategy action plan. The LAPB consists of representation from health and social care, education, other mainstream public services, voluntary sector organisations, as well as autistic people and their families/carers. A number of working groups were established to implement the action plan, looking at specific programmes of work.

What we have achieved and how it links to our key strategic programmes:

Original Strategy Action Plan What We Did Key Strategic Task Programme

Completed – including appointment of Working All Establish working groups for Group Leads and members, establishing Terms each of the four key strategic of Reference and agreed outcomes/action plan programmes for each Working Group

Re-launched the LAPB to make it an all-age Involvement & Autism Partnership through wider participation Collaboration and representation from services for children and young people

Created an A-Team Network (named by the Involvement & members themselves), which predominantly Collaboration includes autistic people and parent/carers Strengthen the Autism helping to influence and co-produce the delivery Partnership Board to ensure of the local autism strategy that it is fit for purpose to lead on implementing Lincolnshire's The A-Team Network developed and introduced Involvement & All-Age Strategy Communication Cards at all LAPB meetings Collaboration

Established an Autism Lived Experience Forum Involvement & to give people with a personal and/or Collaboration professional interest in autism the chance to discuss specific themes and to raise issues and concerns about services and support

Appointed an Autism Expert By Experience Involvement &

10 Page 88 Worker employed on a permanent basis by the Collaboration South West CCG, who leads the A-Team Network and is involved in Care and Treatment Reviews involving autistic people who have been admitted to hospital

All autistic people admitted to A Transforming Care Team was introduced, so Service hospital will have a review to that autistic people who have been admitted to Provision assure that they need to be hospital are reviewed to assure that this is the there and that they are safe, right place for them to be, as part of the 'Building their care needs are being met the Right Support' national initiative and future planning is in place

Service specifications for Adult Learning Service Disability and Mental Health Services Provision commissioned by the NHS have been reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose for autistic Promote the need for services people to be inclusive of autistic people, including a review of An Autism Reasonable Adjustments Mark has Service service specifications that we been developed to review how accessible Provision commission to ensure that they services are for autistic people – this has been are fit for purpose for autistic piloted by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS people Foundation Trust (LPFT) and 37 teams from their Learning Disability and Mental Health Services have achieved the Mark

A virtual local Autism Information Hub has been Service Ensure that a local information introduced, which is hosted via the Lincolnshire Provision hub is available where autistic Autistic Society website – the intention is that people and families can access this will become a central point of access to information and advice about information and advice for autistic people, autism and local services they families and professionals once further may require development of the site has been completed

An improved adult autism diagnostic pathway Service was introduced by LPFT – there has since been Provision a significant increase in demand for this service and there is now a requirement to review capacity, with commissioners and providers Introduce efficient diagnostic working collaboratively to meet the growth in and post diagnostic pathways demand

LPFT have appointed to a brand new role of Service Autism Lead, as well as creating new Autism Provision Liaison Nurse roles

Introduce autism champions An Autism Champions Network for schools has Awareness & within every local school who been established Training will promote early intervention and work together with children LCC Children's Services commissioned a Service and young people with autism service for schools to support children and Provision and their families to: young people with autism – the Working - Create autism friendly Together Team is a contracted service delivered environments through a collaboration of three groups of - Tackle bullying Special Schools - Increase social inclusion - Support and champion the LCC Children's Services now commissions a Service talents and contributions of Behaviour Outreach Support Service, delivered Provision people with autism by Family Action, to support schools in

11 Page 89 developing strategies and interventions for children who display behaviour that challenges

LCC Children's Services commissioned a three Service year pilot through the Pilgrim School to provide Provision education for eight pupils with autism who are high functioning and unable to access mainstream school

LCC Children's Services has worked alongside Service schools, colleges, partners and the Lincolnshire Provision Parent Carer Forum to develop the 'Special Educational Needs: Support and Guidance' document, which is published on the Local Offer

New data sources have been identified and work Data & Identify key partners within has been completed to collate and analyse Information Public Health, social care, information in order to build up a better picture of primary and secondary service provision for autistic people, including healthcare and local groups to data from GP's, the school census and those in develop better ways of receipt of support from adult social care recording and collecting data

Establish information and It was agreed to introduce an autism-specific Data & intelligence across Adult and Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) topic, Information Children's Services enabling us which was subsequently produced by members to understand our local of the LAPB and then launched in June 2017 population data to assist in commissioning services

Produced a report on autism awareness training Awareness & Undertake a review of autism being provided in Lincolnshire based on Training awareness and training being responses from organisations across multi- completed and the range of agency services available training resources

Basic autism awareness is now part of Awareness & Provide basic autism awareness mandatory training provided to staff at LPFT Training as part of mandatory training to mental health and physical Developed a local intermediate level autism Awareness & health services, and develop a training presentation, as well as reviewing other Training range of training opportunities training packages and compiling a list of training for the local workforce to access resources that services/individuals can access

Lincolnshire Police have implemented significant Awareness & Develop local autism champions levels of autism training across their workforce Training in key universal services and also introduced Autism Champions

An Autism Champions Information Pack has Awareness & been developed and a network of autism Training All services that we commission champions is being rolled out across various will be expected to identify a services and organisations, including schools, local autism champion health and social care

Promote community networks Annual Autism Conferences are provided by Awareness & and the wide range of support local voluntary support groups, which offer an Training that people with lived opportunity for parents, carers and professionals experience and their carers can to learn together provide to each other

12 Page 90 Transforming Care

Transforming Care is all about improving health and care services so that more people can live in the community, with the right support, and close to home. It was introduced in 2015, following the publication of Building the Right Support. This is a national plan that highlights the need to close inpatient facilities for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who display behaviour that challenges, and to develop and improve community services to support their needs.

As part of the national programme, Transforming Care Partnerships (TCP's) were set up. The Lincolnshire TCP is made up of clinical commissioning groups, NHS England’s specialised commissioners and local authorities and they work with people with a learning disability, autism or both and their families and carers to agree and deliver local plans for the programme.

A review of inpatient admissions within the Lincolnshire Transforming Care programme during 2018/19 showed the following;

 Only 8% of inpatients had no diagnosis of autism  67% of the admissions were for patients who are autistic only, with 25% of those admitted having a dual diagnosis of both a learning disability and autism  83% were discharged during 2018/19  Of those discharged, 80% returned to their home address, not community supported living or residential care  67% had a community Care and Treatment Review undertaken prior to their admission  67% were emergency admissions under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act  The average age of those admitted into inpatient care was 25  The average length of stay in inpatient care was 49 days  None of the admissions had previously been receiving Adult Social Services  25% were known to LPFT mainstream mental health services

An analysis of findings by the Lincolnshire TCP has found that there are high numbers of young autistic adults being admitted to mainstream acute mental health provision. Further analysis is required to develop a deeper understanding of whether or not there is an issue in relation to autistic people having difficulty accessing mainstream Mental Health Services.

Some gaps have been identified in the risk register process and with a lack of assurance in the ASD Liaison Service, and the Lincolnshire TCP have agreed actions to resolve these issues.

The review and analysis of the Transforming Care cases has found no obvious correlation between a lack of provision in services and the increased likelihood of admission into inpatient care. However, there may be issues around very complex cases where people do not 'fit' into a clear diagnostic category and could, therefore, fall between the gaps in terms of receiving services, which, again, needs to be explored and resolved.

The work being undertaken by the Lincolnshire TCP complements what we intend to deliver in this autism strategy and specific actions are included within section 12 of the strategy action plan.

13 Page 91 Developments for children and young people

The Women and Children's Joint Delivery Board have commissioned a review of the autism diagnostic pathway for children and young people. This has recommended that the CCG's consider commissioning a multi-agency diagnostic pathway which is informed by the NICE guidance and evidence of best practice. Work is taking place collaboratively between the providers and commissioners to develop an agreed model based on a specification which has been developed following input from a wide range of stakeholders. It is anticipated that this work will be completed in time to be reflected in the CCG's commissioning intentions for 2019/20 with improvements in the pathway being introduced incrementally between now and April 2020 when we hope the full pathway will be operational.

Most young people with autism receive their education in mainstream schools, usually close to where they live. For some young people they need to have specialist support provided through a Special School. The 'Building Communities of Specialist Provision Together in Lincolnshire: A Strategy for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Lincolnshire' was published in November 2018.

The strategy will enable Lincolnshire pupils with SEND to access an integrated and collaborative 'all needs' education system, which provides excellent education, health care and support interventions. The aim of the strategy is to 'Establish an integrated school system where children and young people get the right health, care and education, in the right place, at the right time, as close as possible to where they live' .

Many families report that young people, often those with autism, find difficulty with long journeys. Around 70% of pupils attending Special Schools in the county do not attend their nearest school and for 36% their daily round-trip commute can be between 20 and 80 miles per day. Just over half (51%) of pupils that are placed in Out of County educational settings have autism as their primary educational need. Their placement in an out of area setting is usually because local Special Schools have been unable to meet their needs and this has often been because the current buildings and facilities of the Special Schools have not had the appropriate spaces to support young people with complex autism. Parents have described the negative impact that this has on the family and have indicated that they would prefer their young people to be educated close to home.

The strategy builds on the excellent provision that already exists in Lincolnshire Special Schools and includes a significant capital investment to re-model the schools to ensure that they have the facilities and the resources to meet the majority of needs of young people that require specialist provision. All pupils, including those with autism, will be able to attend a Special School in their community. The strategy also includes the development of satellite hubs on mainstream sites. They will be staffed by Special School practitioners and will allow young people that are ready to access a mainstream curriculum to do so with the support of the specialist staff. There are young people with autism that are able to access a wider mainstream curriculum but have difficulty in managing the mainstream environment. This strategy provides the opportunity to access the wider curriculum with the support they need.

Grant funding from the Department for Education will enable the Local Authority to work with education settings and employers to enhance the provision of Supported Internships. This extended initiative will provide opportunities for young people, including those who are autistic, to consider a Supported Internship as part of their preparation for adulthood and a route into paid employment.

14 Page 92

Autism Statutory Guidance requirements

Since the implementation of the 2010 Adult Autism Strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have released four Autism Self-Assessment Framework (SAF) exercises. All local authorities in England are requested to respond to this to enable the Government to monitor progress across the country in achieving the goals identified in the national strategy.

The process also allows local authorities (and the local Autism Partnership Boards) across the country to review progress locally and support future planning. It should be noted that the questions within the SAF relate only to adults unless otherwise stated, in line with responsibilities under the Autism Act and the national strategy.

The self-assessment exercise comprises a number of themed questions covering the key topics within the national strategy. These include;

 Planning – Local planning and leadership in relation to the provision of services for autistic adults

 Training – Training of staff who provide services to autistic adults

 Diagnosis – Identification and diagnosis of autism for adults, leading to assessment of needs for relevant services

 Care & Support – Preventative support and safeguarding in line with the Care Act 2014

 Housing & Accommodation – Reasonable adjustments and equality for autistic adults in relation to housing

 Employment – Supporting autistic people around employment

 Criminal Justice System – Working with the criminal justice system

The majority of questions consist of a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating system to score the level of performance at that particular time against specific criteria. In addition, each topic area includes a series of Yes/No questions, which are worded so that 'Yes' is deemed to be the preferable response.

The latest Autism SAF was completed in 2018 and builds on the previous exercise released by the DHSC in 2016. It should be noted that the questions set by the DHSC within each self-assessment tend to be altered or modified each time (along with the addition of new questions), so it is difficult to make direct comparisons with the year-on-year results, as the questions are not identical.

The following information provides a summary of the responses submitted by Lincolnshire for the questions released in the last two autism self-assessment exercises (2016 and 2018);

15 Page 93 2016 Responses Section Red Amber Green Yes No Total Planning 1 6 4 7 0 18

Training 1 1 0 5 3 10

Diagnosis 2 2 5 1 2 12

Care & Support 0 1 3 0 2 6

Housing & 1 0 0 0 1 2 Accommodation Employment 0 2 0 0 0 2

Criminal Justice 0 1 1 0 0 2 System Total 5 13 13 13 8 52

Based on these overall figures for 2016, it shows that for half of the questions we were performing well at that time (the total for the responses in the two green columns) and the questions where it was highlighted that further improvement was required (the two red columns) makes up a quarter of the total amount.

2018 Responses Section Red Amber Green Yes No Total Planning 1 7 4 8 1 21

Training 0 2 0 5 3 10

Diagnosis 3 3 3 1 2 12

Care & Support 0 1 3 4 0 8

Housing & 1 0 0 0 1 2 Accommodation Employment 0 2 1 1 0 4

Criminal Justice 0 1 1 0 0 2 System Total 5 16 12 19 7 59

Although the number of questions increased for the 2018 exercise (and some questions were modified), the overall picture has generally remained the same as the results for 2016, in that half of our responses were positive (Green), while a quarter are still negative (Red). A key area to note is that for the theme of Diagnosis, performance has deteriorated since the previous Autism Self-Assessment exercise, as the waiting time for an adult diagnostic assessment is no longer meeting recommended levels.

For the questions in the response where it has been identified that further improvement is required (Red), details have been incorporated into the strategy action plan and are highlighted within our priorities for the next three years.

16 Page 94 Think Autism strategy governance refresh and review of the national strategy

In April 2018, the government published a Think Autism strategy governance refresh policy document, which clarified activities required to deliver the intended outcomes of the national strategy and who is responsible for it. This has come about following agreement with stakeholders that, in some areas, progress to implement the strategy has not been as quick as originally envisaged.

A revised governance model to oversee implementation of the strategy has been established, which centres on 19 overarching strategic objectives, grouped into five domains. Each domain will have a Task and Finish Group, which will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of the relevant objectives and tracking progress of actions, as per the details below;

Domain Name Task & Finish Group Lead

1: Measuring, Understanding and Reporting Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Needs of Autistic People

2: Workforce Development Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) / Health Education England (HEE)

3: Health, Care and Wellbeing NHS England (NHSE)

4: Specific Support Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

5: Participation in Local Community Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)

A new Executive Group will oversee the progress of these five Task and Finish Groups and will then report annually to a meeting chaired by a DHSC Minister. The revised governance model is expected to help drive progress in achieving the aims and objectives of the current Think Autism Strategy.

In late 2018 it was announced that a formal review of the national strategy will be completed during 2019 to help inform development of a refreshed version of the strategy. Timescales for this work coincide with it marking 10 years since the Autism Act was introduced.

A major element of this refresh is that the government have committed to extending the national autism strategy to include children and young people. This is a significant step and as part of the review the government will be collecting evidence from autistic children, families and their carers on how to improve the current levels of support.

Our refreshed local all-age autism strategy for Lincolnshire will ensure that the objectives set out under the new national governance model are taken into account as part of our 3-year action plan. We will also conduct an annual review of our priorities to ensure that they reflect any key requirements arising from the forthcoming national strategy refresh.

17 Page 95 15 Priority Challenges for Action

The national adult autism strategy, Think Autism, introduced a set of 15 Priority Challenges for Action. These were developed by autistic people, their families and professionals and they provide a platform to highlight the key issues that need to be delivered to meet the requirements of the Autism Act.

The LAPB agreed that these challenges should form the basis of our strategy in Lincolnshire and be the key focus in terms of developing our intentions for the next three years. We have localised the challenges to take into account our current position, as well as listening to autistic members involved in our Partnership, who said that they would prefer them written as 'We' rather than 'I' statements. The 15 Priority Challenges for Action are as follows;

An equal part of our local community

1. We want to be accepted for who we are within our local community and for people to have an awareness and acceptance of autism.

2. We want our views and aspirations to be taken into account when decisions are made in Lincolnshire and to know that services and support here is as good as other places in the country.

3. We want to know how to connect with other people and have access to local autism peer support.

4. We want the everyday services we use to know how to make reasonable adjustments to meet our individual needs and for staff to be aware and accepting of autism.

5. We want to be safe in our community and free from the risk of discrimination, hate and mate crime, and abuse.

6. We want to be seen as individuals and for our gender, sexual orientation and race to be taken into account.

The right support at the right time during our lifetime

7. We want a timely diagnosis from trained professionals and information and support throughout the pre and post-diagnostic process.

8. We want good information about autism needs to be maintained in the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, so that person-centred health, care and support services is available for autistic people.

9. We want staff in health and social care services to understand autism and how this affects us as an individual.

10. We want to know that our family and carers can get help and support when they need it.

18 Page 96 11. We want services to understand how autism affects us differently and to be supported through various life changes, such as transition from school, getting older or when a person close to us dies.

12. We want people to recognise our autism and adapt the support they provide based on any additional needs we have, such as a mental health problem, a learning disability or if we communicate through behaviours which others may find challenging.

13. If we are a victim of crime or break the law, we want the criminal justice system to think about autism and how to work well with other services.

Developing our skills and independence and working to the best of our ability

14. We want the same opportunities as everyone else to enhance our skills, to be empowered by services and to be as independent as possible.

15. We want support to get a job and support from our employer to help keep it.

What are our priorities for the next 3 years?

We have an ambitious vision for Lincolnshire, in that it includes expanding on the national adult strategy and working towards achieving fulfilling and rewarding lives for autistic people of all ages. It is recognised the first local autism strategy we launched for the county in 2015 was very aspirational and that there are still elements of the original action plan yet to be achieved or worked upon.

As stated, we have agreed to make the 15 Priority Challenges for Action the focal point of our refreshed strategy. However, it is acknowledged that this encompasses a number of different themes and elements that need to be delivered. Therefore, we have engaged with stakeholders to identify which of these challenges they rate as the most important in order to help us determine what issues we should prioritise within our strategy action plan.

This engagement highlighted the following as being the top five most important issues out of the 15 Priority Challenges for Action;

7 Getting a timely diagnosis and support throughout the process

4 Everyday services make reasonable adjustments and staff are aware of autism

11 Support through transitions and other major life changes

12 Recognising an individual's autism and adapting support for additional needs and challenging behaviour

10 Making sure family/carers get the help and support they need

We will make a concerted effort to ensure that these issues are at the forefront when delivering our local autism strategy and that they take precedence when agreeing tasks and timescales that we wish to achieve within the action plan detailed in this document.

19 Page 97 Our strategy action plan will also address the 12 questions within the 2018 Autism Self- Assessment Framework for which Lincolnshire is currently rated as Red, as these are seen as priority areas to progress and resolve.

The 19 objectives that have been identified in the 'Think Autism strategy governance refresh' have also been detailed within the strategy action plan in order to ensure that they have a bearing on the work we do to implement our local autism strategy.

Additionally, there are key pieces of work in progress since the launch of our first local autism strategy that will need to continue and be further developed. Some or all of these are likely to have a beneficial impact on the key priorities outlined above, and include;

 Roll-out of the Autism Reasonable Adjustments Mark to a range of services (this has already been piloted with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust)  Further roll-out of Autism Champions and the introduction of a multi-agency Network  Further improvements and developments to the local Autism Information Hub  Increasing community involvement/networks through the A-Team, Lived Experience Forum, Lincolnshire Young Voices and local peer support groups  Improving recording mechanisms, data collation and analysis of autism cases across partner organisations and completion of the annual review of the Autism JSNA  Development of an overarching multi-agency autism training plan – working with partner organisations to ensure they embed their own individual plans and promotion of training to wider services, businesses and the community sector  Specific work with partners to improve issues in the following areas; o Employment o Housing o Criminal Justice Service o Access to Mental Health Services

We will also await further specific detail on the NHS Long Term Plan, which commits to;

 Reduce preventable deaths  Pilot health checks for autistic adults  Improve community mental health support and suicide prevention  Reduce diagnostic waiting times for children  Halve the number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in inpatient care  Provide more training for NHS staff on autism  Ensure all local services make reasonable adjustments for autistic people  Increase volunteering and internship opportunities for autistic people

The successful delivery of Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy to support autistic people and their families/carers will rely on the participation and support of a range of multi-agency partners, including local authorities, NHS organisations, education, mainstream public services, businesses, community and voluntary sectors.

With this in mind, the LAPB will be asking partners to sign up to a Commitment Statement to ensure that they embed this strategy within their own internal practices and consider their role in helping to support the needs of autistic people.

The Strategy Action Plan will be reviewed and updated annually by the LAPB to make sure it remains fit for purpose.

20 Page 98 Lincolnshire's All-Age Autism Strategy – Action Plan (2019-2022)

Key to the Action Plan: The national Priority Challenges for Action identified locally as being the five most important issues in Lincolnshire have been marked in Blue. The key areas to improve identified by the 2016 Autism SAF exercise have been marked in Orange and allocated under the appropriate Priority Challenge for Action. The 19 objectives arising from the new Think Autism strategy governance refresh have been marked in Purple and allocated under the appropriate Priority Challenge for Action.

National Priority Challenges for Action Key Strategic Programme Target Measurable Outcomes & Local Key Tasks / Lead Agency Date 1. We want to be accepted for who we are within our local community and for people to have an awareness and acceptance of autism. Page 99 Page 1.1 Roll out of Autism Champions – detailed in section 4.3 Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.3

1.2 Development and implementation of a multi-agency autism training Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.4 plan – detailed in section 4.4

2. We want our views and aspirations to be taken into account when decisions are made in Lincolnshire and to know that services and support here is as good as other places in the country.

2.1 Increase engagement and participation of autistic people in the LAPB, Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2022 specifically through the A-Team Network and the Lived Experience Forum, to inform decision making and help co-produce change.

2.2 Forge closer relationships with local peer support groups – LAPB Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2022 Peer support groups sign members to visit the peer support groups annually to build closer links. up to the LAPB Commitment Statement 2.3 Review Autism SAF results to monitor our response in comparison to Data & Information Sep 2019 Report to be submitted to the national / regional position and progress made against identified the Partnership Board

21 improvements – the DHSC are conducting the Autism SAF exercise in Autumn 2018 with results due to be published by March 2019. 2.4 Autism SAF: Does your local autism partnership board have an Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2020 Incorporate as part of the autistic chair or co-chair? review of the Terms of Reference for the LAPB 2.5 National Governance Objective: Participation in local planning and ADASS Awaiting Health & Wellbeing Strategy implementation. national targets 3. We want to know how to connect with other people and have access to local autism peer support.

3.1 Further development of the Autism Information Hub – detailed in Service Provision Mar 2020 See section 10.1 section 10.1

Page 100 Page 3.2 Better support from key organisations to help promote and sustain local Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2020 Implement Managed Care peer groups – the development of a Managed Care Network for Autism / LCC Adult Care Network scheme and has been agreed. allocation of funding to successful bids 4. We want the everyday services we use to know how to make reasonable adjustments to meet our individual needs and for staff to be aware and accepting of autism.

4.1 Forge relationships with public services (district councils, transport Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2020 Sign up to the LAPB operators, businesses, supermarkets, heritage and leisure services, Commitment Statement etc.) to build knowledge and awareness of autism across all sectors. 4.2 Roll out of the Autism Reasonable Adjustments Mark (RAM) – A project Service Provision Mar 2022 Matrix of key stakeholders plan is in place, which includes; to target services and  Clarification of administrative processes and duties monitor achievement of  A promotional event to raise the profile of the scheme the RAM;  Targeted work with specific services, such as Speech & Language Year 1 – 10 services and Occupational Therapy assessments, local housing offices and Year 2 – 20 services GP Practices Year 3 – 30 services (targets to be reviewed  Further development of the scheme to incorporate general council annually) services, community settings and the business sector

22 4.3 Roll out of Autism Champions – Work has initially been completed to Awareness & Training Mar 2022 Matrix of key stakeholders launch this within schools and across health and social care but is not to target services and limited to these areas. Further development includes; monitor roll out of Autism  Series of launch events for specific organisations and service areas Champions;  Provision of training opportunities to ensure Autism Champions Year 1 – Schools, LCC, have a sufficient level of autism knowledge and understanding NHS organisations  Formation of an Autism Champions Network and introduction of Year 2 – Mainstream focus groups to promote peer support and share good practice public services, care providers Work with a range of public services, community settings,  Year 3 – Businesses, businesses, supermarkets, etc. to introduce Autism Champions supermarkets across a range of everyday services

4.4 Development and implementation of a multi-agency autism training Awareness & Training Mar 2022 Matrix of key stakeholders plan – Ensure that key stakeholder organisations have clear and to set autism training appropriate autism training pathways and development for their staff, targets for services; Page 101 Page share training resources where this is possible, and monitor progress in Year 1 – Sign up to plan delivering the plan to ensure accountability. Year 2 – 50% completed Year 3 – 95% completed 4.5 Autism SAF: Have reasonable adjustments been made to general Service Provision / LCC / Mar 2020 Target services to council services to improve access and support for autistic people? District Councils complete RAM scheme via matrix of key stakeholders

4.6 Autism SAF: Can people diagnosed as autistic and without a learning Service Provision / CCG's Mar 2020 Target these services to disability access post diagnostic specific or reasonably adjusted speech complete RAM scheme via and language therapy assessments? matrix of key stakeholders

4.7 Autism SAF: Can people diagnosed as autistic and without a learning Service Provision / CCG's / Mar 2020 Target these services to disability access post diagnostic specific or reasonably adjusted LCC complete RAM scheme via occupational therapy assessments? matrix of key stakeholders

4.8 National Governance Objective: Widespread use of tailored NHSE Awaiting communication methods and recognition of sensory, communication national and environmental needs. targets

23 4.9 National Governance Objective: Reasonable adjustments enable ADASS Awaiting people to access public services. national targets 5. We want to be safe in our community and free from the risk of discrimination, hate and mate crime, and abuse.

5.1 Work in conjunction with the Police / CJS / Safer Lincolnshire Service Provision / Mar 2022 Partnership members regarding initiatives they are implementing, such Police / CJS / Safer as alert cards, staying safe projects, hate/mate crime initiatives, etc. Lincolnshire Partnership

5.2 Roll out of Autism Champions – detailed in section 4.3 (specific work Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.3 required regarding awareness throughout the community)

6. We want to be seen as individuals and for our gender, sexual Page 102 Page orientation and race to be taken into account.

6.1 Conduct data analysis and research around autistic females in Data & Information Mar 2022 See section 7.5 – include Lincolnshire to identify any particular issues in terms of access to as part of an annual services and any specific changes (including additional training) that review of assessment and may be required. diagnostic rates 6.2 Conduct data analysis and research on the BAME population in Data & Information Mar 2022 See section 7.5 – include Lincolnshire to identify any particular issues in terms of access to as part of an annual services for autistic individuals and any specific changes (including review of assessment and additional training) that may be required. diagnostic rates 6.3 Person-centred approaches – identify specific/specialised support Service Provision Mar 2022 services that can help individuals with particular issues they may encounter regarding gender, sexual orientation and race, and ensure that these services have an awareness of autism. 7. We want a timely diagnosis from trained professionals and information and support throughout the pre and post-diagnostic process.

7.1 Develop and implement a revised Children's Autism Diagnostic Service Provision / Mar 2020 Service targets will be set Pathway – a steering group has been created to develop a new service LCC Children's Services / as part of developing the specification and will be responsible for procuring a new service. CCG's new service specification

24 7.2 Develop and introduce a proposed Autism Parent Training Programme Awareness & Training Mar 2020 Business case to include to better support families with understanding autism following the evidence of unmet need – diagnosis of a child – a business case will be produced seeking once determined, targets approval for the allocation of resources to address this unmet need. will be set to address the required support needs 7.3 Review the current Adult Autism Diagnostic Pathway to ensure that it is Service Provision / Mar 2020 Service targets will be set capable of meeting the significant increase in demand for this service. CCG's / LPFT as part of the review of the current pathway 7.4 Introduction of post-diagnostic support (information, signposting to Service Provision / LPFT Mar 2020 support, etc.) provided to adults following completion of the assessment and diagnosis process conducted by LPFT.

7.5 Introduce clear processes to record data related to assessment and Data & Information / CCG's Mar 2020 Annual report submitted to diagnostic numbers and outcomes as part of both the children's and the Partnership Board adults' diagnostic pathways, and analyse and review the data annually. analysing service demand

Page 103 Page and performance, and to review future targets 7.6 Ensure that details about the diagnostic pathways, for both children and Service Provision Mar 2020 adults, are available and communicated on the Autism Information Hub.

7.7 Ensure that autistic people without a learning disability have access to Service Provision / Mar 2020 Collate feedback from the same level of clinical support – a review of the service specification CCG's / LPFT service users as part of between the CCG's and LPFT will be completed to determine what is the review – complete needed in terms of service provision. annually to monitor access to support 7.8 Autism SAF: When will your area be able to meet NICE recommended Service Provision / Mar 2020 See section 7.7 – include waiting time (for adult diagnostic assessment) and expect to be able to CCG's / LPFT as part of the CCG / LPFT keep within them? service specification review 7.9 Autism SAF: In your local diagnostic pathway does a diagnosis of Service Provision / CCG'S / Mar 2020 See section 7.5 – include autism automatically trigger an offer of a care assessment (or re- LCC Adult Care as part of an annual assessment if the person already had a current Care Act assessment)? review of assessment and diagnostic rates 7.10 Autism SAF: Is post-diagnostic adjustment support available with local Service Provision / CCG'S Mar 2020 See section 7.7 – include clinical psychology or other services for those people diagnosed as as part of the CCG / LPFT

25 autistic and without a learning disability? service specification review 7.11 National Governance Objective: Awareness of diagnosis waiting DHSC Awaiting times and post diagnostic outcomes, with focus to include older people national and under diagnosis of women and children. targets

7.12 National Governance Objective: Timely access to adult autism NHSE Awaiting diagnosis. national targets 8. We want good information about autism needs to be maintained in the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, so that person- centred health, care and support services is available for autistic people.

Page 104 Page 8.1 Annual review of the Autism JSNA topic. Data & Information Annually Scheduled for completion annually by December 8.2 Continued work to request, collate and analyse data from different Data & Information Mar 2022 sources to build up a better picture of autism needs in Lincolnshire.

8.3 Influence Public Health commissioners to develop a clear health and Data & Information / Mar 2022 Action Plan for the Health wellbeing offer for autistic people and monitor that key priorities within Service Provision / and Wellbeing Strategy the Health and Wellbeing Strategy take into account of their needs. Public Health considers the views of the LAPB as an expert panel 8.4 Review data and recording mechanisms within educational settings to Data & Information / Mar 2022 Outcomes will be set by ensure accurate and consistent reporting is gathered regarding pupils LCC Children's Services the Task & Finish Group. with autism to help analyse this demographic – a specific Task & Finish Group has been established by Children's Services to work on this.

8.5 National Governance Objective: Widespread interpretation of social DHSC Awaiting care return data to support the autism strategy. national targets 8.6 National Governance Objective: Research conducted into causes of DHSC Awaiting life expectancy gap and best interventions to address these, national benchmarking what are effective mental health interventions for autistic targets people.

26 9. We want staff in health and social care services to understand autism and how this affects us as an individual.

9.1 Development and implementation of a multi-agency autism training Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.4 plan – detailed in section 4.4

9.2 Roll out of Autism Champions – detailed in section 4.3 Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.3

9.3 Roll out of the Autism Reasonable Adjustments Mark (RAM) – detailed Service Provision Mar 2022 See section 4.2 in section 4.2

9.4 National Governance Objective: GP's aware of patient's condition DHSC Awaiting (establishment of Autism Register) national targets 9.5 National Governance Objective: Health and care staff, and staff in DHSC / HEE Awaiting

Page 105 Page organisations with public facing responsibilities, who provide general national support to autistic adults, have appropriate knowledge of the condition. targets

9.6 National Governance Objective: Health and care staff, and staff in DHSC / HEE Awaiting organisations with public facing responsibilities, who have a direct national impact on, and make decisions about, the lives of autistic adults have targets appropriate specialist knowledge of the condition.

10. We want to know that our family and carers can get help and support when they need it.

10.1 Development of the Autism Information Hub – Our aim is for the Hub to Service Provision Mar 2020 Year 1 – 10% increase in be the initial point of access for autistic people, their families and website usage professionals when requiring information and advice regarding autism, Year 2 – 25% increase services and support. Funding has been agreed to commission a Year 3 – 50% increase resource to develop the website and ensure ongoing management, update and maintenance of the information available.

10.2 More collaborated work with the lead commissioners for the Carer's Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2020 Service (Carers First) and local carers/autism support groups to / Public Health

27 develop a wider offer of support, including addressing the needs of aging carers and helping carers to remain or return to employment.

11. We want services to understand how autism affects us differently and to be supported through various life changes, such as transition from school, getting older or when a person close to us dies.

11.1 Roll out of Autism Champions – detailed in section 4.3 Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.3

11.2 Development and implementation of a multi-agency autism training Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.4 plan – detailed in section 4.4

11.3 A Transitions Protocol will be developed to assist young people with Service Provision / Mar 2020 Page 106 Page additional needs in their preparation for adulthood – this aims to make LCC Children's Services / the process more seamless, improve the information offer and to Adult Care review and develop a multi-agency pathway that supports young people moving into adulthood.

11.4 Autism SAF: Do you have specific training that focuses on autistic Awareness & Training Mar 2020 See section 4.4 – include adults over the age of 65? as part of the matrix of key stakeholders, specific training targets for staff working in older people's services

11.5 National Governance Objective: Appropriate support to identify and DWP Awaiting follow aspirations when transitioning from education. national targets 11.6 National Governance Objective: Successful transition of people ADASS Awaiting preparing for adulthood across education, health, employment and national social care spheres (participation in employment considered in needs targets assessments and care and planning process takes account of work opportunities).

28 12. We want people to recognise our autism and adapt the support they provide based on any additional needs we have, such as a mental health problem, a learning disability or if we communicate through behaviours which others may find challenging.

12.1 Development and implementation of a multi-agency autism training Awareness & Training Mar 2022 See section 4.4 plan – detailed in section 4.4 (this will need to incorporate specialist autism training for appropriate services/professionals)

12.2 Implementation of the local Transforming Care Plan Service Provision / Mar 2020 NHS England targets in CCG's / LCC Adult Care place to reduce the number of people requiring inpatient care 12.3 Review the ASD Liaison Service and activity, and undertake a deep Service Provision / Mar 2020 Part of the Lincolnshire dive of LD community services to include the effectiveness of the CCG's / LPFT TCP action plan

Page 107 Page Community Home Assessment and Treatment Service 12.4 Establish a Psychiatric Clinical Decisions Unit pathway for all proposed Service Provision / Mar 2020 Part of the Lincolnshire autism patient admissions to Psychiatric Intensive Care Units or Acute CCG's / LPFT TCP action plan Psychiatric beds 12.5 Open Crisis House admissions to adults with learning disabilities and Service Provision / Mar 2020 Part of the Lincolnshire autism CCG's / LPFT TCP action plan

12.6 National Governance Objective: Timely and appropriate mental NHSE Awaiting health support. national targets 13. If we are a victim of crime or break the law, we want the criminal justice system to think about autism and how to work well with other services.

13.1 Improve and increase stakeholder participation from the CJS within the Involvement & Collaboration Mar 2020 Sign up to the LAPB LAPB, and work closer with Safer Lincolnshire Partnership agencies. / CJS Commitment Statement

13.2 Implement autism training, Autism Champions and the Autism RAM Awareness & Training / Mar 2022 See sections 4.2 – 4.4 scheme within the CJS – see details in sections 4.2 – 4.4 Service Provision

29 13.3 Autism SAF: Criminal Justice Services – Do staff in the local court Awareness & Training / Mar 2020 See section 4.4 – include services engage in autism awareness training? CJS as part of the matrix of key stakeholders, specific training targets for staff in local court services 13.4 Autism SAF: Criminal Justice Services – Do staff in the local probation Awareness & Training / Mar 2020 See section 4.4 – include service engage in autism awareness training? CJS as part of the matrix of key stakeholders, specific training targets for staff in the local probation service 13.5 National Governance Objective: Specific support available to people CJS / DWP Awaiting within the criminal justice system. national targets 14. We want the same opportunities as everyone else to enhance our Page 108 Page skills, to be empowered by services and to be as independent as possible.

14.1 Promote opportunities for autistic people to improve their personal Service Provision / Mar 2022 development and access help with life skills, etc. – a key action within LCC Adult Care LCC Adult Care is to help make care and support more personalised and based on peoples' own strengths.

14.2 Improve housing support for autistic people and ensure their needs are Service Provision / Mar 2022 Targets to be set once specifically identified in local housing strategies – a local Public Health / LCC / Strategy has been Accommodation Strategy for those people requiring specialist adult District Councils developed – expected services is planned for development, which will include meeting the launch is Mar 2019 needs of people within the Transforming Care cohort.

14.3 Autism SAF: Does the local housing strategy and/or market position Service Provision / Mar 2022 See section 14.2 – local statement specifically identify autism? LCC / District Councils Accommodation Strategy to be developed

14.4 Autism SAF: Do you have a policy ensuring that local housing offices Service Provision / Mar 2020 See section 4.4 all have at least one staff member who has training in autism to help District Councils people make applications and fill in necessary forms?

30 14.5 National Governance Objective: Preventative support in line with the NHSE Awaiting Care Act 2014. national targets 14.6 National Governance Objective: Easy access to public transport. DWP Awaiting national targets 14.7 National Governance Objective: Access to an appropriate range of ADASS Awaiting accommodation options. national targets 15. We want support to get a job and support from our employer to help keep it.

15.1 A Specialist Tailored Employment Partnership project is currently being Service Provision / Mar 2022 Project Year 1 target; developed to promote employment opportunities for people with LCC Adult Care minimum of 5.6% of adult learning disabilities / autism / mental health conditions – service due to care service users with

Page 109 Page commence in 2019 following completion of a tender exercise. learning disabilities/autism in paid employment 15.2 The DWP Work and Health Programme was launched in January 2018 Service Provision / DWP Mar 2022 which aims to identify and support those people who may require additional 1:1 assistance in their attempts to gain employment.

15.3 Work alongside partners on other local employment projects/initiatives Service Provision Mar 2022 Outcomes to be set within to increase opportunities for paid employment and vocational work, and individual projects ensure that Transitions Pathways support employment opportunities.

15.4 National Governance Objective: Easy access to, and positive DWP Awaiting experience of, employment and benefits pathways. national targets 15.5 National Governance Objective: Support is provided to autistic DWP Awaiting people to help them retain employment and support them in their work national setting. targets

31 Glossary of abbreviations

ADASS Association of Directors of Adult Social Services

ASC Autism Spectrum Condition

ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder

BAME Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities

CCG Clinical Commissioning Group

CJS Criminal Justice System

DHSC Department of Health and Social Care

DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

DWP Department for Work and Pensions

EHCP Education, Health and Care Plan

GP General Practitioner

HEE Health Education England

ICL International Classification of Diseases

JSNA Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

LAPB Lincolnshire Autism Partnership Board

LCC Lincolnshire County Council

LPFT Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

NHSE National Health Service England

NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

PANSI Projecting Adult Needs and Service Information Systems

POPPI Projecting Older People Population Information

RAG Red, Amber, Green rating system

RAM Reasonable Adjustments Mark

SAF Self-Assessment Framework

SALT Short and Long Term data

SEND Special Educational Needs and Disability

STP Sustainability and Transformation Plan

TCP Transforming Care Partnership

32 Page 110

33 Page 111 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 8

Policy and Scrutiny

Open Report on behalf of David Coleman, Chief Legal Officer

Report to: Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Date: 26 April 2019 Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Work Subject: Programme KeyDecision decision? Reference: No Summary: This item enables the Committee to consider and comment on the content of its work programme to ensure that its scrutiny activity is focused where it can be of greatest benefit. Members are encouraged to highlight items that could be included for consideration in the work programme.

Actions Required: Members of the Committee are invited to:

1) Review and agree the Committee's work programme as set out in Appendix A to this report.

2) Highlight for discussion any additional scrutiny activity which could be included for consideration in the work programme.

1. Background

Purpose of Scrutiny Activity

Set out below are the definitions used to describe the types of scrutiny, relating to the items on the Committee Work Programme:

Policy Development - The Committee is involved in the development of policy, usually at an early stage, where a range of options are being considered.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny - The Committee is scrutinising a proposal, prior to a decision on the proposal by the Executive, the Executive Councillor or a senior officer.

Policy Review - The Committee is reviewing the implementation of policy, to consider the success, impact, outcomes and performance.

Performance Scrutiny - The Committee is scrutinising periodic performance, issue specific performance or external inspection reports.

Page 113 Consultation - The Committee is responding to (or making arrangements to) respond to a consultation, either formally or informally. This includes pre- consultation engagement.

Budget Scrutiny - The Committee is scrutinising the previous year’s budget, or the current year’s budget or proposals for the future year’s budget.

Member Report – The Committee is reviewing the work of the Sub-Groups or Working Groups.

Requests for specific items for information should be dealt with by other means, for instance briefing papers to members.

The Committee's proposed work programme is attached at Appendix A. A list of all upcoming Forward Plan decisions relating to the Committee is also attached at Appendix B.

Members of the Committee are invited to review, consider and comment on the work programme as set out in Appendix A and highlight for discussion any additional scrutiny activity which could be included for consideration in the work programme.

2. Conclusion

The Committee is invited to consider the content of its forthcoming work programme.

3. Consultation a) Have Risks and Impact Analysis been carried out?

Not Applicable b) Risks and Impact Analysis

Not Applicable

4. Appendices

These are listed below and attached at the back of the report Appendix A Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee – Work Programme Appendix B Forward Plan of Decisions relating to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

5. Background Papers

No background papers within Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972 were used in the preparation of this report.

This report was written by Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, who can be contacted on 01522 552164 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Page 114 Appendix A

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

26 April 2019 Item Contributor Purpose Fostering Allowances John Harris, Children's Pre-Decision Scrutiny Service Manager – (Executive Councillor Regulated (North and decision on 17 May Fostering) 2019) Post 16 Transport Support Teri Marshall Pre-Decision Scrutiny Policy Statement 2019/20 Education Transport (Executive Councillor Manager decision on 29 April 2019) Refresh of Lincolnshire's All- Rob Barber, Age Autism Strategy Commissioning Officer – Policy Review Specialist Adult Services

7 June 2019 Item Contributor Purpose Proposal to change the age Matthew Clayton, Pre-Decision Scrutiny range at Market Deeping Admissions and (Executive Councillor Community Primary School Education Provision Decision on 21 June from 3 to 11 to 4 to 11 (final Manager 2019) decision) David Robinson, SEND Transport Commissioning Manager Policy Review

- Transport Sue Williams, Children's Armed Forces Pupil Premium Service Manager – Update Report Education Strategy Annual Review of Complaints Jo Kavanagh, Assistant for Children's Services Director – Early Help Performance Scrutiny

Sally Savage, Chief Theme Performance: Quarter 4 Commissioning Officer – Performance Scrutiny Children's

19 July 2019 Item Contributor Purpose Section 117 Policy Heston Hassett, S 117 Pre-Decision Scrutiny Specialist Project (Executive Councillor Manager Decision TBC) Children's Health Services Sally Savage, Chief Policy Review Progress Update and CQC Commissioning Officer – Inspection Report Outcomes Children's

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6 September 2019 Item Contributor Purpose Local Area SEND Inspection by Sheridan Dodsworth, Ofsted and CQC – Action Plan Children's Services Performance Scrutiny Update Manager - SEND

Jo Kavanagh, Assistant Director – Early Help Early Years Education Policy Review Improvement Strategy Michelle Andrews, Children's Services Manager – Early Year Sally Savage, Chief Theme Performance: Quarter 1 Commissioning Officer – Performance Scrutiny Children's

18 October 2019 Item Contributor Purpose Sheridan Dodsworth, Policy Review (Yearly SEND Strategy Review Update Children's Services Update) Manager - SEND

22 November 2019 Item Contributor Purpose Martin Smith, Interim LLP Strategic Review Outcome Assistant Director of Policy Review Education Sally Savage, Chief Theme Performance: Quarter 2 Commissioning Officer – Performance Scrutiny Children's

17 January 2020 Item Contributor Purpose Revenue Budget Proposals Debbie Barnes, Budget Scrutiny 2020/21 Executive Director of Children's Services Children Missing Out of Jill Chandar-Nair, Education Annual Report Inclusion and Attendance Policy Review 2018/19 Manager

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Items to Be Scheduled

Restorative Practice - Andy Cook Policy Review Lincolnshire Joint Diversionary Youth Offending Manager Panels (JDP)

For more information about the work of this Committee please contact Tracy Johnson, Senior Scrutiny Officer, on 01522 552164 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Page 117 Appendix B

FORWARD PLAN OF DECISIONS RELATING TO CHILDREN’S SERVICES FROM 1 APRIL 2019

DEC MATTERS DATE OF DECISION PEOPLE/GROUPS DOCUMENTS HOW TO COMMENT RESPONSIBLE KEY DIVISIONS REF FOR DECISION DECISION MAKER CONSULTED PRIOR TO BE ON THE DECISION PORTFOLIO DECISION AFFECTED TO DECISION SUBMITTED BEFORE IT IS MADE HOLDER AND CHIEF YES/NO FOR AND THE DATE BY OFFICER DECISION WHICH COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED I017557 Post 16 29 April Executive Children and Young Report Senior Commissioning Officer Executive Councillor: Yes All Divisions New! Transport Policy 2019 Councillor: People's Scrutiny Tel: 01522 553440 Email: Adult Care, Health Statement 2019 Adult Care, Committee; Education [email protected]. and Children's Health and Providers; Transport uk Services and Children's Providers; Young Executive Director of Services People; and Children's Services Parents/Carers I017422 Fostering 11 May Executive Children and Young Report Children's Services Manager - Executive Councillor: Yes All Divisions Allowances 2019 Councillor: People Scrutiny Regulated Tel: 01522 554109 Adult Care, Health Adult Care, Committee Email: and Children's Page 118 Page Health and [email protected] Services and Interim Children's k Director of Children's Services Services I017849 Proposal to 21 June Executive Interested parties as Report Admissions and Education Executive Councillor: Yes Deepings West change the age 2019 Councillor: DfE guidance including Provision Manager Adult Care, Health and Rural New! range at Market Adult Care, parents, school staff, Tel: 01522 553535 and Children's Deeping Health and neighbouring schools, Email: Services and Community Children's County, Parish and matthew.clayton@lincolnshire. Executive Director of Primary School Services District Councils, MPs, gov.uk Children's Services from 3 to 11 to 4 Trade Unions and to 11 (Final Diocese and Children Decision) and Young People Scrutiny Committee