Issue - meetings

Report DCYP12042

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report outlining the outcomes of a Gateway Review conducted into the ongoing delivery of weekend and holiday short break provision for disabled children and young people that had been delivered via Riverside School, a Bromley maintained special school since April 2010.

The Chairman was pleased to consider such a positive report.  He noted that a number of past pupils now worked at the school on a voluntary basis.

Mr James also praised the report but was concerned that he could not find evidence of qualitative measures such as school outings.  He also highlighted that when a child reached the age of 18 years, they were no longer entitled to short breaks provision.  He felt that whilst they were in full-time education they should still be entitled. The Director explained that transition was something that Officers were aware of and were looking at it within the context of resources. 

In response to a question around leadership at Riverside, Officers explained that there had been a vacancy for a school co-ordinator and another staff member had covered this post, however a schools co-ordinator was now in place.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the proposal to continue to commission the majority of Short Breaks provision from Riverside School via an internal Service Legal Agreement.