Information to Be Included in a Complete Proposal

PROPOSALS FOR PRESCRIBED ALTERATIONS OTHER THAN FOUNDATION PROPOSALS: Information to be included in a complete proposal

In respect of a Governing Body Proposal: School and governing body’s details 1. The name, address and category of the school for which the governing body are publishing the proposals.

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In respect of a LA Proposal: School and local authority details 1. The name, address and category of the school.

The Primary Support Base (PSB) at Highwood Primary School, Bushey Mill Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2AW, a community school.

The Local Authority is Hertfordshire County Council, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8DF

Implementation and any proposed stages for implementation 2. The date on which the proposals are planned to be implemented, and if they are to be implemented in stages, a description of what is planned for each stage, and the number of stages intended and the dates of each stage.

The planned date for the proposals to be implemented in full is 31 March 2016.

Objections and comments 3. A statement explaining the procedure for making representations, including — (a) the date prescribed in accordance with paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, by which objections or comments should be sent to the local authority; and (b) the address of the authority to which objections or comments should be sent.

Comments or objections need to be received by 3 February 2016 by sending them by post, marked for the attention of Highwood Primary School, to: Freepost RTHH-LXSL- BYYR, Hertfordshire County Council, Education Department, County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DF, or by email to: [email protected]

1 Alteration description 4. A description of the proposed alteration and in the case of special school proposals, a description of the current special needs provision.

The Primary Support Base (PSB) is currently based at Highwood Primary School and can accommodate up to 6 children of primary age with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, along with a small number of specialist staff and an outreach service. The base currently serves schools in the area covered by the District councils of Watford and Three Rivers and the towns of Bushey and Radlett in the Hertsmere District This includes a total of 10 infant and 58 primary/JMI schools

Hertfordshire County Council is proposing to close this base after a review of the Council’s Behaviour and Attendance strategy indicated the need for greater involvement of mainstream schools in the commissioning and development of local provision for pupils with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. This coincides with Highwood School being in the process of converting to academy status, and having considered the local need for full time educational provision for children who have been permanently excluded, in addition to those considered to be at risk of permanent exclusion, the Governing Body has decided that it is unable to offer this provision once it converts into an Academy and agreement has been reached with the Local Authority to consult on the closure of the PSB at Highwood School. There are currently no children on roll at the PSB at Highwood, but the PSB offers outreach support to schools in the area.

This offers the opportunity for the County Council to look at ways of enabling and strengthening the commissioning role of mainstream schools so that schools are responsible for, and have a greater role in planning and overseeing behaviour support and alternative provision that best meets the needs of pupils at a local level. This has been done in partnership with Headteachers and within the framework of Delivering Special Provision Locally 9 (DSPL 9) Further information about the HCC SEND strategy and Delivering Special Provision Locally and Area 9 DSPL is available at: http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/healthsoc/childfam/dspl/ and www.dsplarea9.org.uk Under the proposals responsibility for meeting the needs of primary aged pupils with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties who are at risk of exclusion or who have been excluded from school will become the responsibility of DSPL9 and support and provision will be made through the DSPL9 Primary Behaviour Partnership. It is proposed that, as is the case now, most pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs will remain in their current school with a clear focus on providing support within the mainstream stetting This is referred to as Tier One support. This will be enhanced by Tier Two support which is being developed through four Behaviour Hub Schools based in each of the geographical areas covered by DSPL9. Tier three will provide outreach support for pupils whose level of difficulty is impacting on their own learning and that of others. Tier four will offer respite provision for children who are at high risk of permanent exclusion and Tier five will be responsible for the provision for pupils who have been permanently excluded. Tiers four and five will comprise alternative provision based at the Lincolnsfield Centre in Bushey which will be managed on behalf of the Primary Behaviour Partnership by a local head teacher and will employ qualified teaching and trained support staff. The provision is to be known as The Acorn Centre.

2 School capacity 5.—(1) Where the alteration is an alteration falling within any of paragraphs 1 to 4,and 12- 14 of Schedule 2 to The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, the proposals must also include — (a) details of the current capacity of the school and, where the proposals will alter the capacity of the school, the proposed capacity of the school after the alteration;

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(b) details of the current number of pupils admitted to the school in each relevant age group, and where this number is to change, the proposed number of pupils to be admitted in each relevant age group in the first school year in which the proposals will have been implemented;

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(c) where it is intended that proposals should be implemented in stages, the number of pupils to be admitted to the school in the first school year in which each stage will have been implemented;

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(d) where the number of pupils in any relevant age group is lower than the indicated admission number for that relevant age group a statement to this effect and details of the indicated admission number in question.

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(2) Where the alteration is an alteration falling within any of paragraphs 1,and 14 of Schedule 2 to The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, a statement of the number of pupils at the school at the time of the publication of the proposals.

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Implementation 6. Where the proposals relate to a foundation or voluntary controlled school a statement as to whether the proposals are to be implemented by the local authority or by the governing

3 body, and, if the proposals are to be implemented by both, a statement as to the extent to which they are to be implemented by each body.

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Additional Site 7.—(1) A statement as to whether any new or additional site will be required if proposals are implemented and if so the location of the site if the school is to occupy a split site.

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(2) Where proposals relate to a foundation or voluntary school a statement as to who will provide any additional site required, together with details of the tenure (freehold or leasehold) on which the site of the school will be held, and if the site is to be held on a lease, details of the proposed lease.

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Changes in boarding arrangements 8.—(1) Where the proposals are for the introduction or removal of boarding provision, or the alteration of existing boarding provision such as is mentioned in paragraph 12 or 13 of Schedule 2 to The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 — (a) the number of pupils for whom it is intended that boarding provision will be made if the proposals are approved;

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(b) the arrangements for safeguarding the welfare of children at the school;

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(c) the current number of pupils for whom boarding provision can be made and a description of the boarding provision; and

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(d) except where the proposals are to introduce boarding provision, a description of the existing boarding provision.

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(2) Where the proposals are for the removal of boarding provisions or an alteration to reduce boarding provision such as is mentioned in paragraph 12 or 13 of Schedule 2 to The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 — (a) the number of pupils for whom boarding provision will be removed if the proposals are approved; and

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(b) a statement as to the use to which the former boarding accommodation will be put if the proposals are approved.

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Transfer to new site 9. Where the proposals are to transfer a school to a new site the following information— (a) the location of the proposed site (including details of whether the school is to occupy a single or split site), and including where appropriate the postal address;

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(b) the distance between the proposed and current site;

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(d) the accessibility of the proposed site or sites;

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(e) the proposed arrangements for transport of pupils to the school on its new site; and

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(f) a statement about other sustainable transport alternatives where pupils are not using transport provided, and how car use in the school area will be discouraged.

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Objectives 10. The objectives of the proposals.

To close the Primary Support Base at Highwood Primary School, Bushey Mill Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2AW on 31st March 2016 and to provide this specialist service for pupils through the DSPL9 Primary Behaviour Partnership. Pupils will be supported through a tiered approach to behaviour management. Pupils who have been permanently excluded or who are at high risk of permanent exclusion will be supported though Tier 4 and 5 alternative provision based at the Lincolnsfield Centre in Bushey and known as The Acorn Centre

Consultation 11. Evidence of the consultation before the proposals were published including— (a) a list of persons who were consulted; (b) minutes of all public consultation meetings; (c) the views of the persons consulted; (d) a statement to the effect that all applicable statutory requirements in relation to the proposals to consult were complied with; and (e) copies of all consultation documents and a statement on how these documents were made available.

a) Consultation list attached (Appendix A) b) n/a – c) Consultation response summary in Cabinet report (Appendix B) d) Public consultation commenced on Thursday 1 October 2015 and ran to Wednesday 11 November 2015. A consultation letter was sent to all parents/carers, staff and governors of the school affected as well as to all schools in the area and other statutory consultees. e) Copy of consultation letter attached (Appendix C). The letter was sent to all parents/carers, staff and governors of the school affected as well as to all schools in

6 the area and other statutory consultees. The letter was also made available on the Hertfordshire County Council website.

Project costs 12. A statement of the estimated total capital cost of the proposals and the breakdown of the costs that are to be met by the governing body, the local authority, and any other party.

There is no capital cost associated with this proposal. There is no difference to the level of funding required and therefore there is no impact on capital or revenue budgets.

13. A copy of confirmation from the Secretary of State, local authority and the Education Funding Agency or Skills Funding Agency (as the case may be) that funds will be made available (including costs to cover any necessary site purchase).

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Age range 14. Where the proposals relate to a change in age range, the current age range for the school.

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Early years provision 15. Where the proposals are to alter the lower age limit of a mainstream school so that it provides for pupils aged between 2 and 5— (a) details of the early years provision, including the number of full-time and part-time pupils, the number and length of sessions in each week, and the services for disabled children that will be offered;

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(b) how the school will integrate the early years provision with childcare services and how the proposals are consistent with the integration of early years provision for childcare;

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7 (c) evidence of parental demand for additional provision of early years provision;

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(d) assessment of capacity, quality and sustainability of provision in schools and in establishments other than schools who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage within 3 miles of the school; and

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(e) reasons why such schools and establishments who have spare capacity cannot make provision for any forecast increase in the number of such provision.

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Changes to sixth form provision 16. (a) Where the proposals are to alter the upper age limit of the school so that the school provides sixth form education or additional sixth form education, a statement of how the proposals will— (i) improve the educational or training achievements; (ii) increase participation in education or training; and (iii) expand the range of educational or training opportunities for 16-19 year olds in the area;

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(b) A statement as to how the new places will fit within the 16-19 organisation in an area;

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(c) Evidence — (i) of the local collaboration in drawing up the proposals; and (ii) that the proposals are likely to lead to higher standards and better progression at the school;

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(d) The proposed number of sixth form places to be provided.

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17. Where the proposals are to alter the upper age limit of the school so that the school ceases to provide sixth form education, a statement of the effect on the supply of 16-19 places in the area.

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Special educational needs 18. Where the proposals are to establish or change provision for special educational needs— (a) a description of the proposed types of learning difficulties in respect of which education will be provided and, where provision for special educational needs already exists, the current type of provision;

The current PSB at Highwood School provides outreach support and has the facility for up to six Permanent Base places for pupils with Statements of Special Educational Need or an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or those undergoing statutory assessment and up to six children on extended roll. There are currently no children attending the base and no children on extended roll.The outreach service provides support for children, teachers and parents in management of high needs social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Under the proposals responsibility for meeting the needs of primary aged pupils with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties who are at risk of exclusion or who have been excluded from school will become the responsibility of DSPL9 and support and provision will be made through the DSPL9 Primary Behaviour Partnership.

Pupils with a Statement of SEN or an EHCP will remain in their mainstream settings with the support provided at the appropriate level through the Primary Behaviour Partnership tiered. (see 18.b below)

(b) any additional specialist features will be provided;

The Primary Behaviour Partnership has developed a tiered approach to behaviour management. Tier 1 refers to the support which is available in all schools in a mainstream setting. The Tier 2 programme offers peer to peer support to schools offered through Behaviour Hub Schools located in each of the four main geographical areas in DSPL9. Tier 3 will provide outreach support on an individual pupil basis for children whose level of difficulty is impacting on their learning and that of others. Tier 4 will offer respite provision for children at high risk of permanent exclusion with the

9 children remaining on the roll of their mainstream school. Tier 5 will provide alternative full time provision for pupils who have been permanently excluded from the 6th day following exclusion.

The Primary Behaviour Partnership will provide a support service to meet the needs of pupils deemed to display ‘High Needs’ and who require additional support beyond that which can be expected to be provided directly by a school as part of its ‘local offer’. Tier 2, Peer to Peer support is intended to increase the capacity of schools to support pupils with more challenging behaviour on a whole school rather than an individual pupil basis. It is anticipated that more pupils will be supported at Tier 3 than is currently the case because some of the work currently undertaken by outreach services provided by the Highwood PSB and Chessbrook Outreach Service will be provided at Tier 2. There are no set numbers for outreach provision. Twelve places will be available at the alternative provision for Tiers 4 and 5.

(d) details of how the provision will be funded;

The provision will be funded via the Hertfordshire County Council budget currently allocated to the Primary Support Base and the proportion of funding allocated to the Primary Outreach Service for South West Hertfordshire that is currently devolved to the Chessbrook Education Support Centre. Both funding elements are derived from the ‘High Needs Block’.

(e) a statement as to whether the education will be provided for children with special educational needs who are not registered pupils at the school to which the proposals relate;

The provision at at tier four will be for children with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, some of whom may have a Statement of Special Educational Need or EHCP. Tier five will offer provision from the sixth day for pupils who have been permanently excluded. Some of these children may have a statement or an EHCP. The provision will cover the same geographical area as the Highwood PSB, namely the District Councils of Watford and Three Rivers and the towns of Bushey and Radlett in the Hertsmere District. Some children with very significant and complex behavioural, emotional or social needs will require special school provision. This provision is made at county level through placement in BESD special schools. Commissioning and funding for BESD Special School places remains a county responsibility and will not be the responsibility of the DSPL9 Primary Behaviour Partnership.

(f) a statement as to whether the expenses of the provision will be met from the school’s delegated budget;

Expenses will be met via the existing combined Hertfordshire County Council budgets as detailed above.

(g) the location of the provision if it is not to be established on the existing site of the school;

An administrative ‘Base’ is being developed to provide a centre for the service staff at the Lincolnsfield Centre in Bushey. This is currently being used by DSPL9 for its Triage Service (www.dsplarea9.org.uk) Provision at Tiers 4 and 5 will be based at Lincolnsfield and known as The Acorn Centre.

(h) where the provision will replace existing educational provision for children with special educational needs, a statement as to how the local authority believes that the new provision is likely to lead to improvement in the standard, quality and range of the educational provision for such children; and

Primary Behaviour Partnership will:

 provide a tiered approach to behaviour management so that support for schools, pupils and parents can be accessed at the lowest appropriate level and at the earliest opportunity  support primary schools in the DSPL9 area to adopt a common approach to behaviour management promoting the use of Hertfordshire Steps (behaviour management programme)  enhance the capacity of schools to promote positive behaviour by offering peer to peer support at Tier 2 through Behaviour Hub Schools  recommission Tier 3 support from Chesbrook ESC Outreach service to deliver one to one support for pupils with higher end of social, emotional and behavioural needs  provide respite places for pupils at risk of permanent exclusion at Tier 4  maintain pupils within their local community mainstream schools  Ensure opportunities for school staff and parents to work alongside the Service, building capacity in all to better support those vulnerable High Needs pupils.  Incorporate clearer accountability structures and report directly to the groups it serves.  Be more responsive to local needs and adapt as local needs change provide full time alternative provision form the 6th day for pupils who have been permanently excluded

(i) the number of places reserved for children with special educational needs, and where this number is to change, the proposed number of such places.

The current model of locating six places at Highwood PSB for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans or Statements of Special Educational Need is underutilised and there are currently no pupils on the roll of the Highwood PSB. It is not proposed to reserve places specifically for pupils who have Statements of SEN or with EHCPs but

11 rather to cater for a broader number and range of pupils who have significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties which places them at risk of permanent exclusion.

19. Where the proposals are to discontinue provision for special educational needs— (a) details of alternative provision for pupils for whom the provision is currently made;

Funding for the six SEN places within the Primary Support Base will be more effectively and efficiently utilised in providing a flexible service that supports vulnerable pupils, families and schools in continuing to meet needs within local mainstream settings. There are currently no pupils in the Base.

(b) details of the number of pupils for whom provision is made that is recognised by the local authority as reserved for children with special educational needs during each of the 3 school years preceding the current school year;

Academic Year Number on Full time roll of the Highwood PSB 2012 to 2013 2 2013 to 2014 1 2014 to 2015 0 2015 to 2016 0

(c) details of provision made outside the area of the local authority for pupils whose needs will not be able to be met in the area of the authority as a result of the discontinuance of the provision; and

It is envisaged that the needs of primary aged pupils’ will be met locally within mainstream settings. Should pupils require longer term specialist provision then they would become the subject of statutory processes enabling the consideration of special school provision. (An Education Health and Care assessment)

(d) a statement as to how the proposer believes that the proposals are likely to lead to improvement in the standard, quality and range of the educational provision for such children.

It is well understood that pupils who remain within local communities, both at home and at school, enjoy enhanced educational and social outcomes as a result. This proposal seeks to ensure that there is ongoing commitment from both schools and services to maintaining pupils within their local community settings in order to maximise longer term success. This approach is commensurate with Hertfordshire County Council’s strategic developments as encompassed within the Developing Special Provision Locally (DSPL) agenda. Pupils will remain at the school where they are on-roll whilst receiving support through the Primary Behaviour Partnership.

12 20. Where the proposals will lead to alternative provision for children with special educational needs, as a result of the establishment, alteration or discontinuance of existing provision, the specific educational benefits that will flow from the proposals in terms of— (a) improved access to education and associated services including the curriculum, wider school activities, facilities and equipment with reference to the local authority’s Accessibility Strategy; (b) improved access to specialist staff, both educational and other professionals, including any external support and outreach services; (c) improved access to suitable accommodation; and (d) improved supply of suitable places.

The proposed closure of the Primary Support Base and the provision of this service in a different way, offers opportunities for enhanced access and a more flexible service to better meet the needs of vulnerable young people in the area, leading to:

 stronger local ownership of services by local primary head teachers  a better match between provision and individual pupil needs  improved outcomes for pupils in the short and longer term with improved potential for young people to remain in the mainstream setting  enhanced capacity and increased opportunities for skills sharing in mainstream settings  a more cost effective use of available resources with an enhanced, more flexible service offer  dedicated provision for pupils who have been permanently excluded (from the sixth day following exclusion) 

Sex of pupils 21. Where the proposals are to make an alteration to provide that a school which was an establishment which admitted pupils of one sex only becomes an establishment which admits pupils of both sexes— (a) details of the likely effect which the alteration will have on the balance of the provision of single sex-education in the area;

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(b) evidence of local demand for single-sex education; and

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(c) details of any transitional period which the body making the proposals wishes specified in a transitional exemption order (within the meaning of paragraph 3 of Schedule 11 to the Equality Act 2010).

13 N/A

22. Where the proposals are to make an alteration to a school to provide that a school which was an establishment which admitted pupils of both sexes becomes an establishment which admits pupils of one sex only— (a) details of the likely effect which the alteration will have on the balance of the provision of single-sex education in the area; and

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(b) evidence of local demand for single-sex education.

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Extended services 23. If the proposed alterations affect the provision of the school’s extended services, details of the current extended services the school is offering and details of any proposed change as a result of the alterations.

The Highwood PSB currently provides outreach support to schools in the DSPL9 area for pupils with significant social emotional and behavioural needs. A similar service is offered by the primary outreach service based at Chesbrook ESC. The proposal is to bring both services together to offer a more consistent and cost effective service at Tier 3.

Need or demand for additional places 24. If the proposals involve adding places— (a) a statement and supporting evidence of the need or demand for the particular places in the area;

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(b) where the school has a religious character, a statement and supporting evidence of the demand in the area for education in accordance with the tenets of the religion or religious denomination;

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14 (c) where the school adheres to a particular philosophy, evidence of the demand for education in accordance with the philosophy in question and any associated change to the admission arrangements for the school.

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25. If the proposals involve removing places— (a) a statement and supporting evidence of the reasons for the removal, including an assessment of the impact on parental choice; and

The SEN commissioned places as provided at the Highwood PSB are currently underused as can be seen from the response to 19(b) above and, therefore, an inefficient use of the ‘High Needs Block’ funding. We have sought the views of schools and of parents locally on the changes proposed. The Primary Behaviour Partnership will focus heavily on enhanced parental engagement and involvement in the ongoing support of pupils. As the new service will provide support within local mainstream schools, parental choice will remain unaffected.

(b) a statement on the local capacity to accommodate displaced pupils.

In the academic year 2014- 15 six pupils of primary age were permanently excluded by schools in the Watford, Three Rivers, Bushey and Radlett area covered by DSPL9 and the current PSB at Highwood for whom provision was made at home. nd There is a need to provide for pupils at risk of permanent exclusion and for pupils who have been permanently excluded who have significant emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. Pupils supported at Tier 4 will remain on the roll of their mainstream school. Pupils who have been excluded will be provided with alternative provision from the 6th day following exclusion.

Expansion of successful and popular schools

25A. (1) Proposals must include a statement of whether the proposer considers that the presumption for the expansion of successful and popular schools should apply, and where the governing body consider the presumption applies, evidence to support this.

(2) Sub-paragraph (1) applies to expansion proposals in respect of primary and secondary schools, (except for grammar schools), i.e. falling within paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 of the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013.

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16 Appendix A

List of those consulted:

Member of Parliament All County Councillors District Councillors Town and Parish Councils Children's Centres Toddler Groups Pre Schools and Playgroups Day Nurseries District LA Chief Executive Trade Union Reps Diocese Reps Libraries NHS Reps Parent/Governor Reps and Others Further Education Organisations in Hertfordshire Local schools Residents around the school site Highwood Community Primary School and its Governing Body Citizen’s Advice Bureaux

Appendix B Agenda Item No.

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

CABINET MONDAY 14 DECEMBER 2015 at 2pm

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE THE PRIMARY SUPPORT BASE (PSB) AT HIGHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL, BUSHEY, ON 31 MARCH 2016

Report of the Deputy Director for Children's Services, Education

Report Author: Mary Bainton, Area Manager, Integrated Services for Learning (ISL), Watford and Three Rivers Tel: Comnet 83871, 01442 453871

Executive Member: David Williams, Enterprise, Education & Skills

Local Member: Formerly Steve O'Brien MBE, Bushey North

1. Purpose of report

1.1 To inform Cabinet of the outcome of the public consultation on the proposal to close the Primary Support Base at Highwood Primary School, Bushey on 31 March 2016.

1.2 To enable Cabinet to decide whether to publish statutory proposals for the proposed expansions.

2. Summary

2.1 A public consultation began on 1 October 2015 and ended on 11 November 2015. A total of 24 responses have been received, of which 20 respondents were in favour of the proposal, 2 disagreed, and 2 did not know. A breakdown of the responses is provided in section 5.

3. Recommendation

3.1 Cabinet is asked to decide whether to:

(i) accept the proposal and authorise the Deputy Director for Children's Services, Education to publish a statutory notice; (ii) take no further action; or (iii) initiate fresh consultation on any alternative suggestion(s)

3.2 In the light of the responses received, the Deputy Director for Children's Services, Education recommends the publication of a statutory proposal to

1 Appendix B

close the Primary Support Base (PSB) at Highwood Primary School, Bushey, on 31 March 2016.

4. Background

Context

4.1 The Primary Support Base (PSB) is currently based at Highwood Primary School and can accommodate up to 6 children of primary age with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, along with a small number of specialist staff and an outreach service. The base currently serves the South West Hertfordshire area, which includes a total of 10 infant and 58 primary/JMI schools. At the present time there are no children on the pupil roll of the PSB at Highwood. The proposal involves the closure of the Primary Support Base and the re-provision of this service in a different way

4.2 A six week public consultation on the proposal began on 1 October 2015 and ended on 11 November 2015.

4.2 A consultation letter (attached as Appendix A) was sent to all parents/carers, governors and staff of the school affected, local residents, as well as to other schools in the area and to all other statutory consultees. The letter was also available on the County Council’s website.

4.3 Under the terms of delegated powers to Key Officers the Deputy Director for Children's Services, Education decided to commence the consultation*. The consultation was launched on 1 October 2015 at a meeting for Head Teachers and Chairs of Governors of all the primary schools in Watford, Three Rivers, Bushey and Radlett, and representatives from the local secondary Head Teachers and the Chessbrook Education Support Centre. The proposed model was positively received by those present who were given the opportunity to contribute their ideas to the development of each tier of the proposed Primary Behaviour Partnership. Twenty eight primary schools were represented at this meeting.

* The Decision Record for this consultation can be found at https://cmis.hertsdirect.org/hertfordshire/ForwardPlanofKeyDecisions/tabid/6 8/FolderID/11/Key-Officer-Decision-Records-2015.aspx

5. Results of the public consultation

5.1 A consultation letter was sent to MP’s, County, District and Parish Councillors, local residents, parents/carers, staff and governors of the school affected as well as to all schools in the area and other statutory consultees. A total of 1744 letters were sent out and the letter was also made available on the Hertfordshire County Council website.

2 Appendix B

As at the close of the consultation on the 11 November 2015 there had been a total of 24 responses-

Capacity of total respondent responses Agree Disagree Don't Know Governor 3 3 Member of staff (Highwood or another school in the area) 15 14 1 Resident 2 1 1 Parent/Carer 1 1 Other 3 2 1 Total Responses 24 20 2 2

Copies of all the responses received are available for inspection in the Members Room at County Hall and will be available at the meeting.

6. Key Issues and responses

6.1 A number of key issues were raised by respondents. These concerns, together with an officer response are as follows. The number of respondents raising each issue/commenting is shown in brackets:

(i) There needs to be better provision in the local area for children at risk of exclusion or who have already been permanently excluded. The new model will better meet the needs of pupils in the local area (7)

Response: Under the proposed model, children who are at risk of permanent exclusion and those who have been permanently excluded will be supported under tier 4 and 5 alternative provision.

(ii) The PSB at Highwood has not been fully functioning for some time and there has only been limited support available for children or schools for children at risk of permanent exclusion, with extreme behaviour, or who have been permanently excluded. Hertfordshire County Council should be able to reclaim any funds associated with the unfulfilled provision supposedly offered by Highwood (3)

Response: Pupils who have been at risk of permanent exclusion have been supported by the PSB at Highwood though a model of outreach provision. It is not possible to recoup any underspend for

3 Appendix B

previous years as the PSB is a commissioned service provision and not funded on a pupil number basis.

(iii) Provision for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties in SW Herts will work better if local schools have a greater role in and responsibility for meeting the needs of these pupils (2).

Response: The proposed model has been developed in partnership with head teachers from each of the geographical areas in DSPL9 to meet local need.

(iv) Schools within the DSPL district have developed a tiered model which will better support children with the full range of social and emotional needs. Support at tier 4 & 5 for children at high risk of exclusion has been enhanced to ensure schools, parents and children are given the timely support that best suits the needs of all. Appropriate provision will be in place within DSPL9 (2).

Response: That is correct.

(v) There has been a huge gap in the provision for pupils whose placement in a mainstream school has broken down due to their social, emotional and mental health difficulties but who are unable to access specialist provision due to the time it takes for an Education, Care and Health Plan (EHCP) assessment to be finalised. The provision proposed in this consultation will hopefully address this gap and enable provision to be made available more quickly (1).

Response: The statutory deadline for the completion of an EHCP is twenty weeks and the Local Authority seeks to complete assessments as early as possible within this time frame. It is anticipated that the needs of the majority of pupils will be met in their own school with support from a recommissioned outreach service (tier 3) and that breakdown of placements can be avoided. Where necessary, and where a pupil is at risk of permanent exclusion, they may be eligible for support from tier 4 provision whilst remaining on the roll of their own school.

(vi) Will the integration of pupils who might otherwise be at the PSB into mainstream school have any detrimental effect on the learning of other pupils? (1)

Response: There are currently no pupils on the roll of Highwood PSB which has focussed on the provision of an outreach service. Pupils who are at risk of permanent exclusion and those who have been permanently excluded will be provided for with onsite alternative provision.

(vii) Will teachers in mainstream schools supporting pupils who might otherwise have been placed at the PSB be equipped with suitable

4 Appendix B

training and support staff, and will this impact upon their workload? (1)

Response: The tiered model designed for by the Primary Behaviour Partnership will support teachers and support staff in working with pupils with the full range of behavioural difficulties through training, peer support, outreach and where appropriate though the use of onsite provision. It is not anticipated that this will result in any increase in work load.

(viii) Is mainstream education the best learning environment for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and will they still receive the one-to-one support required? (1)

Response: The needs of the majority of pupils with social emotional and behavioural difficulties can be met in mainstream schools. The tiered approach developed by the Primary Behaviour Partnership is designed to support schools to meet the needs of pupils at the appropriate level. Schools can also apply for Exceptional Needs Funding for pupils and this is unaffected by the proposals

(ix) Issue with capacity for peer to peer tier. Engagement with parents left to schools alone? Issue of quality of provision, sustainability, how reintegration is managed after a sustained period in such an environment. Are managed moves masking exclusion data? (1)

Response: Four Behaviour Hub Schools have been identified and are working as part of the Primary Behaviour Partnership to develop the model of peer to peer support. Each school will receive an allowance of £2,000 from the DSPL9 budget to support this work and release staff to support other schools. The primary relationship with parents is with the school, but where additional support is needed this will be available through the South West Hertfordshire Partnership School Family Support Workers, as at present. The design of the curriculum and the management and oversight of the provision will be the responsibility of the head teacher at Warren Dell Primary School answerable to the Primary Behaviour Partnership. Reintegration to primary schools will be managed on the basis of an individual tailored programme designed to meet the needs of the child. Managed moves are used where appropriate to avoid exclusions. Where support is provided at tier 4 in the model, the child will remain on the roll of his/her school but will be recorded as receiving off site provision. It is anticipated that this will reduce the need both for managed moves and also for permanent exclusions.

7. Financial implications

7.1 There is no revenue cost associated with this proposal. There is no difference to the level of funding required and therefore there no impact on capital or revenue budgets.

5 Appendix B

8. Equalities Implications

8.1 When considering proposals placed before Members it is important that they are fully aware of, and have themselves rigorously considered the Equality implications of the decision that they are making.

8.2 Rigorous consideration will ensure that proper appreciation of any potential impact of that decision on the County Council’s statutory obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty. As a minimum this requires decision makers to read and carefully consider the content of any Equalities Impact Assessment (EQiA) produced by officers.

8.3 The Equality Act 2010 requires the County Council when exercising its functions to have due regard to the need to (a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other conduct prohibited under the Act; (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it and (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. The protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

8.4 An Equalities Impact Assessment (EQiA) has been carried out on the proposal to close the support base contained within this report. A copy of the EQiA is attached (Appendix B) to this paper in order that members are fully aware of any equality issues arising from the proposals.

8.5 An EQiA has indicated that the proposal is not anticipated to affect people disproportionately because of a protected characteristic. The revised service and provision will focus resources on those pupils deemed by the commissioners and providers to be of 'high needs'. It is crucial that the service, as a finite resource, be utilised to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and families within the area. The EQiA will be continued to be reviewed and updated as necessary until the end of this process.

Background Papers

Consultation letter attached as Appendix A. EQIA attached as Appendix B

6 Appendix C

County Hall Hertford, SG13 8DF

Tel: 0300 123 4043

My ref: School Planning

Date: 1 October 2015

Dear Consultee

Consultation on the proposal to close the Primary Support Base (PSB) at Highwood Primary School, Bushey Mill Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2AW on 31st March 2016.

The Primary Support Base (PSB) is currently based at Highwood Primary School and can accommodate up to 6 children of primary age with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, along with a small number of specialist staff and an outreach service. The base currently serves the South West Hertfordshire area, which includes a total of 10 infant and 58 primary/JMI schools.

What is the proposal? To close the Primary Support Base at Highwood Primary School, Bushey Mill Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2AW on 31st March 2016 and to provide this specialist service for pupils in a different way.

Why is it proposed to close the PSB at Highwood Primary School? A review of Hertfordshire County Council’s Behaviour and Attendance strategy indicated the need for greater involvement of mainstream schools in the commissioning and development of local provision for pupils with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Primary head teachers have had the opportunity to contribute their views and ideas on how to develop provision to better meet the current and future identified needs in the area.

Primary Support Bases (PSBs) have historically provided support for pupils with significant emotional and behavioural problems, many of whom may be at risk of permanent exclusion. There are currently no children on roll at the PSB at Highwood, but the PSB offers outreach support to schools in the area. There were six

Appendix C permanent exclusions during the academic year 2014 to 2015 and there are also a number of children at significant risk of permanent exclusion.

Highwood School is in the process of converting to academy status, and having considered the local need for full time educational provision for children who have been permanently excluded, in addition to those considered to be at risk of permanent exclusion, the Governing Body has decided that it is unable to offer this provision once it converts into an Academy and agreement has been reached with the Local Authority to consult on the closure of the PSB at Highwood School.

How will the needs of children in South West Hertfordshire continue to be met? We have considered the full range of social, emotional and behavioural needs and have developed a tiered model which will be implemented through a phased transition to support pupils across this range of need. It is proposed that most pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs, as is the case now, will remain in their current school, with a clear focus on providing support, through specialist staff, within the mainstream setting (Tier1). This will be enhanced by Tier 2 peer to peer support to schools which will be offered through Behaviour Hub schools located in Bushey, Rickmansworth, South Oxhey and Watford and will serve the DSPL9 area. This will become operational during the first half of the autumn term 2015. Tier 3 will provide outreach support on an individual pupil basis for children whose level of difficulty is impacting on their learning and that of others. Further discussions regarding the commissioning of this support will take place during the autumn term with existing providers. Tier 4 will offer respite provision for children who are at high risk of permanent exclusion, the child remaining on roll at their mainstream school during this time. Tier 5 will be responsible for the provision of full time education from the sixth day for children who have been permanently excluded. It has been agreed in principle with Highwood School Governors that funding for the provision of support at Tier 4 and Tier 5 will be released to DSPL 9 to ensure that appropriate provision is in place during the transition period. This approach will provide both enhanced flexibility and greater accessibility, with a greater number of children with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties being able to directly benefit. It recognises and draws on the expertise which already exists in primary schools, whilst ensuring that the Local Authority is able to meet its statutory responsibility to ensure that all pupils are in receipt of an education from the sixth day following permanent exclusion.

Appendix C

What would this mean for pupils and staff? At the present time there are no children on the pupil roll of the PSB at Highwood. Pupils who are supported by PSB staff on an outreach basis will be supported by Tier 3, 4 or 5. Pupils who are receiving support in their mainstream schools will do so through Tier 2 and 3. The PSB staff are currently employed by Hertfordshire County Council and this will continue to be the case. Staff will be based at another school in the area and will be managed by the Headteacher there as part of the Tier 4 and Tier 5 response.

What about transport? There will be no change to current transport arrangements which will continue to apply in accordance with the County Council’s transport policy.

How will this proposal be funded? There is no capital cost to the Local Authority associated with this proposal. There is no difference to the level of funding required and therefore there is no impact on capital or revenue budgets.

What educational improvement does this offer for pupils with specific needs? The proposed closure of the Primary Support Base and the re-provision of this service in a different way, offers opportunities for enhanced access and a more flexible service to better meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people with significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties in the area, leading to:

 Stronger local ownership of services by local primary heads  More flexible/creative local provision options  A better match between provision and individual pupil needs  Improved outcomes for pupils in the short and longer term with improved potential for young people to remain in the mainstream setting  Enhanced capacity and increased opportunities for skills sharing in mainstream settings  Greater equity in use of provision  More cost-effective use of available resources, with an enhanced, more flexible service offer

Have your say We would like to hear your views on the proposal to close the Primary Support Base at Highwood Primary School from 31st March 2016. You have until 11 November 2015 to let us know your views. The easiest way you can do this is by completing the online form on our website at: http://www.hertsdirect.org/your-council/consult/schoolsconsult/. You can tell us if you agree or disagree with the proposal and leave your comments. If you do not have access to the internet you can visit your local library where free access is available to all Hertfordshire residents. Should you wish to request a hard

Appendix C copy of the response form, you can email [email protected] or alternatively you can call us on 0300 123 4043. If you need help to understand this information, please contact the customer service centre on 0300 123 4043. An interpreting service is available for those who need it. Your comments must be received by 11 November 2015. We will not be able to acknowledge or respond individually to your comments but they will be taken into account, as explained below.

How the decision will be taken This is a consultation and no decision has been made yet. All comments received will be made available to elected members who make the final decision. All responses may be made available in public reports, although personal details will be removed to respect individual privacy.

The following timetable outlines the decision-making process. Please note that meetings marked with * will be open to the public. Although it will not be possible to inform everyone individually of the decisions made, you will be able to access this information throughout the process at: http://www.hertsdirect.org/your- council/civic_calendar/. Process Date Public consultation Thursday 1 October to Wednesday 11 November 2015 Enterprise Education & Skills Cabinet Monday 7 December 2015 Panel * Cabinet* Monday 14 December 2015 Statutory notice period (4 weeks) Thursday 7 January 2016 to Wednesday 3 February 2016 Decision if no objections to statutory Week commencing 8 February 2016 notice (delegated to Director of Children’s Services) Decision if objections to the statutory Monday 22 February 2016 notice (Cabinet*)

Yours faithfully

Andrew Simmons Deputy Director for Children's Services, Education