HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL EDUCATION, LIBRARIES …. Item … · Samantha Young, Senior Planning...

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HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EDUCATION, LIBRARIES AND LOCALISM CABINET PANEL TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 AT 10:00AM PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE WAY THAT PRIMARY BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING INTENSIVE SHORT-TERM SCHOOLING PROVISION FOR PUPILS AT RISK OF EXCLUSION, ARE DELIVERED IN THE BOROUGH OF BROXBOURNE

Report of the Director of Children’s Services Report Author: Richard Woodard, Area Manager – Professional Lead for

Access and Inclusion, Integrated Services for Learning (Tel: 01442 453224) Samantha Young, Senior Planning Officer, School Planning

(Tel: 01992 556308) Executive Member: Terry Douris (Education, Libraries & Localism) Local Members: Tim Hutchings (Hoddesdon North)

Mark Mills-Bishop (Flamstead End and Turnford)

1. Purpose of the Report

1.1. To inform the Panel of the outcome of the public consultation on the proposal to alter the way that primary behaviour support services, including intensive short-term schooling provision for pupils at risk of exclusion, are delivered in the Borough of Broxbourne.

1.2. The proposal involves:

(i) the commissioning of a new primary behaviour support service for the area, including outreach support to mainstream schools and intensive short stay schooling, from Rivers Education Support Centre (ESC), in Hoddesdon, from January 2021 for which a change in its age range will be required, as well as capital funding to provide appropriate accommodation, and as a consequence;

(ii) the closure of the Primary Support Base (PSB) located at Andrews

Lane Primary School, Andrews Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN7 6LB, for which a statutory process is required;

2. Summary

2.1. There were 20 respondents to the consultation, of whom 17 (85%)

agreed with the proposal, 2 (10%) disagreed and 1 (5%) did not know. The Governing Body at Andrews Lane Primary School agrees with the

Agenda Item No.

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proposal, as does the Management Committee at Rivers Education Support Centre (ESC).

2.2 A breakdown of the responses to the consultations is provided in section

5.

3. Recommendations

3.1 Panel is asked to recommend to Cabinet whether to: (i) authorise the publication of a statutory notice to close the

Primary Support Base (PSB) located at Andrews Lane Primary School with effect from January 2021 and conditional on the outcome of this;

(ii) agree the change in the age range of Rivers Education Support Centre (ESC);

(iii) approve capital funding for the Education Support Centre (ESC).

or

(iv) take no further action; or (v) initiate fresh consultation on any alternative suggestion(s); or (vi) take alternative action.

4. Background

4.1 In Hertfordshire, specialist support for primary-age pupils with emotional and behavioural needs in mainstream schools is delivered through a range of services. They include advice and outreach to support children in mainstream schools; a small number of short-term places and 6th Day Provision for permanently excluded children; and where necessary, longer term places for pupils with particularly significant and complex emotional and behavioural needs. The aim of the primary behaviour support service is to keep these vulnerable children in their mainstream school wherever possible.

4.2 In some areas the intensive short stay schooling services are provided by a PSB. This has been the case in the Borough of Broxbourne, where these services had been delivered from a PSB, located at and managed by Andrews Lane Primary School. From 1 April 2019 these services have been managed by the local DSPL group, as The Phoenix Centre PSB. Since 30 September 2019 there have been no children receiving intensive short-stay schooling at the PSB located at Andrews Lane Primary School.

4.3 Other areas have successfully enhanced provision by moving to a model where primary behaviour services are provided by the local ESC. Following a review of primary behaviour support services in the Borough of Broxbourne, the County Council and the local DSPL partnership, consider that moving to the ESC model would have a

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positive impact for pupils and schools in the area, as it will provide enhanced education opportunities and improved facilities.

4.4 The Andrews Lane PSB was established with a capacity of 6 pupils. The capacity of the new provision at the ESC will increase to 12 pupils.

4.5 It is proposed to commission a range of outreach services, advice and support and a small number of pupil places available for intensive short-stay schooling from Rivers ESC, which is rated by Ofsted as “Good”. It is currently designated as a provider for children in the age range 11-16 years; however, it is proposed to change the age range to 5-16 years so that primary-age pupils can be provided for. This change does not require a statutory process.

4.6 New separate accommodation would be provided on the ESC site for intensive short-stay schooling and 6th Day Provision as required, with designated outside space. The capital cost will be met by the Local Authority.

4.7 The PSB located at the Andrews Lane site would close, for which statutory process is required.

4.8 The public consultation for the proposal was held over a four-week period, beginning on 10 June 2020 and ending on 7 July 2020.

4.9 Consultation letters were sent (by electronic means including e-mail or in hard copy form) to the following groups/individuals:

(i) Parents/carers of children attending the two schools (Andrews

Lane Primary and Rivers ESC); (ii) Staff at the two schools; (iii) School Governors at the two schools; (iv) Maintained schools in Broxbourne District; (v) Nurseries, pre-schools, day-care centres and other early years

settings in Broxbourne District; (vi) MP(s), County Councillors, Broxbourne District Councillors and

Local Authority Chief Executives; (vii) Trade Union representatives; (viii) Church Diocese representatives; (ix) NHS representatives; (x) Parent Governor representatives on the Overview and Scrutiny

Committee; (xi) Local Libraries and Citizen’s Advice Bureaux; (xii) Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI); (xiii) Headteacher Forums; (xiv) Selected officers working for Hertfordshire County Council.

4.10 The consultation letter and response form were also available on Hertfordshire County Council’s website (www.hertfordshire.gov.uk). A total of 836 consultation letters were sent out (by electronic means including email or in hard copy form).

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5. Response to the consultation 5.1. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, it has not been possible to supply

Members with hard copies of the consultation responses received. Instead, copies of the redacted responses were distributed to members by email, in advance of Education, Libraries and Localism Cabinet Panel and Cabinet meetings on 8 September and 21 September 2020 respectively.

5.2. An analysis of the responses follows which includes:

(i) a breakdown of the number of responses received; (ii) the key issues raised and the response to them; (iii) a copy of the governing body responses (Appendix 1) (iv) officer conclusion and recommendation.

5.3. A summary of the responses received is shown below.

Capacity of respondent

Total

responses Agree Disagree

Don't

Know

Parent/carer 2 1 1 0

School governor 2 2 0 0

Member of management committee 3 3 0 0

Member of staff 6 5 0 1

Resident 2 2 0 0

Other 5 4 1 0

% 85.0% 10.0% 5.0%

Total responses 20 17 2 1

6. Key Issues and responses

6.1. A majority of respondents (85%) agree with the proposal.

6.2. Key themes raised and officer response to these:

Two consultees questioned the proposed capacity of the new provision at the ESC of 12 and suggested it should be more.

The proposal for 12 in-reach short term schooling places is in line with other Primary Behaviour Services across the Local Authority and is double the current capacity of the Phoenix Centre based at Andrews Lane Primary School. The Rivers ESC would also provide outreach services for the local area providing a continuum of provision for many more children, in line with the Hertfordshire Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour Strategy.

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One respondent felt it would be a shame to have on record any details of help given to younger children (via the ESC) due to a concern that there can be a tendency to label such children for years after they have moved on.

This proposal is not about labelling children. Instead this provision is needed to support the children of the area by recognising their specific needs and to focus on ways to support them so that they are successful in the future.

The Chair of Governors at Andrews Lane Primary School replied, that she was only able to agree in principle with the proposal to provide DSPL4 provision at an alternative site to Andrews Lane Primary School, not having had sight of the detailed specification of the proposal for alternative provision. She added that she looked forward to receiving details in full.

In response to the further details requested by the Chair of Governors, they have been provided with details of how the new service should operate which has been discussed by local Head Teachers as part of the local areas primary behaviour review conducted by a sub group of local heads and is in line with the revised Hertfordshire Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour Strategy. Further details will follow later or will be communicated between the operators of the new facility and the previous facility.

One consultee had concerns around how the service will be delivered to effectively support primary aged children.

The purpose of the in-reach and outreach support is to support children who are at risk of exclusion with the aim of keeping them in mainstream education and addressing their individual needs whilst building capacity in local schools and settings. Rivers ESC is already commissioned to carry out the outreach support. Specific funding from the high-needs block is assigned to the local area and would be used to recruit appropriate staff and develop existing staff. In the plan submitted by the local area, there is a clear plan to ensure expertise is available. The placements are designed to be short term intensive placements (12 weeks maximum, to be reviewed regularly or extended if individual needs are agreed by a range of professionals). The plan highlights a key focus on reintegration with ongoing outreach support as the child either returns to the original mainstream school or to an alternative destination if agreed.

One respondent believed that Children Looked After (CLA) should be made the highest priority for admission to the ESC.

Admission arrangements to the new service would be overseen by a group of headteachers and other professionals. Priority is always given

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to looked-after children in line with the School Admission Code. The DSPL funding model that determines the revenue cost is based on the number of children living in the area to ensure that if needed, children attend their closest provision in line with Hertfordshire County Council strategy.

One consultee had concerns over the possible negative influence of older children on younger children when mixed together at the ESC.

Although the new service would operate out of the Rivers ESC, separate accommodation would be provided for the younger children of primary school-age. There would be a separate entrance/exit to the new facility alongside separate outdoor learning spaces. Staff would be able to move between the existing Rivers ESC centre and the new primary behaviour service and if the younger children needed to access the Key Stage 4 building they would be accompanied by a member of staff at all times. In other areas of the local authority this model continues to be successful.

One respondent sought assurance that the needs of permanently excluded pupils placed at the ESC will be properly assessed including a statutory assessment if required.

The needs of excluded pupils placed at the ESC will be properly assessed by appropriately trained staff and outcomes will be monitored by the DSPL group and Hertfordshire County Council.

One respondent sought assurance that pupils at the ESC will be facilitated to move back to mainstream schools with support or onto specialist provision and not be left at the ESC indefinitely.

In-reach, short term schooling at the new facility is to be provided for 12 weeks with reintegration to the appropriate provision carried out during this time. A key element of the service level agreement and vision for the new service is to ensure short term schooling that incorporates high quality support and that builds capacity in local schools whilst addressing the child’s specific needs.

7. Conclusions

7.1 Having analysed all the responses, it is the Officers’ view, in light of:

(i) the agreement of the Governing Body of Andrews Lane Primary School and the Management Committee of Rivers ESC to the proposal; and

(ii) the overwhelming support for the proposal from people responding to the consultation;

that Cabinet approves the publication of a statutory notice for the proposal to alter the way that primary behaviour support services,

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including intensive short-term schooling provision for pupils at risk of exclusion, are delivered in the Borough of Broxbourne.

8. Financial Implications

Revenue funding 8.1 Primary Support Bases are funded from the Dedicated Schools Grant

(DSG). Should the closure be approved, and the new service commissioned, revenue funding will transfer to Rivers ESC. The overall level of funding for primary behaviour support services will remain unchanged and will come from the same source.

Capital funding

8.2 The cost of this scheme has been estimated at £250,000. It is

considered prudent that a programme contingency is budgeted for to cope with any increases to the cost of the scheme, that may result at the point of tender and through the town planning process. That contingency has been increased above normal levels, as where the ESC wishes to site the building is in Flood Zone 3 and it may be that more mitigation needs to be factored in to the project. The total budget requested to be approved is therefore £300,000. If the contingency fund is not used, it shall be returned to the Specialist Provision Capital Fund for allocation on other projects.

8.3 The cost can be met from the SEND Specialist Provision Capital Grant,

allocated to Hertfordshire some of which has been previously approved to be allocated against schemes. The main purpose of the grant is to fund improvements and provide additional capacity at settings, including special schools, for pupils with Educational Health care Plans.

8.4 SEND Provision Capital Grant:

Total allocation £11.191m Less previously approved commitments £6.9m Less estimated cost of this proposal £0.25m Less contingency £0.05m Allocation remaining £3.991m

The remaining allocation is earmarked for other priority SEND initiatives, one of which is included in another report to this Panel. The remainder will be reported to Cabinet in the near future.

8.5 This proposal was considered and endorsed by the SEND Senior Leadership Group in March 2020.

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9. Equalities implications 9.1. 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.

9.2. 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.

9.3. 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.

9.4. An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) has been carried out and

updated where necessary on the proposal contained within this report. It is appended to this report (see Appendix 2) in order that Members are fully aware of any equality issues arising from the proposal. Consideration has been given to the likely impact of the proposal, and current assessment concludes that it is not anticipated that people with protected characteristics will be affected disproportionately. The EqIA will be continued to be reviewed and updated as necessary.

Background Information None

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Appendix 1

Andrews Lane Primary School - Governing Body Response: “As Chair of Governors at Andrews Lane, I agree in principle with the proposal to provide DSPL4 provision at an alternative site to Andrews Lane Primary School, Cheshunt. However, having not seen sight of the detailed specification of the proposal for alternative provision, I am only able to agree in principle and I look forward to receiving details in full.” Rivers ESC – Management Committee Response: Received from Chair of Full Committee at Rivers ESC: “Full support of the Management Committee. Much needed resource in DSPL4. DSPL4 is an area of social deprivation, high levels of primary exclusions. Security of tenure is needed by Rivers to guarantee long term success of primary base. Primary Base should be independently financially secure.”

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Appendix 2

EqIA - Proposal to alter the way that primary behaviour support services are delivered in the Borough of Broxbourne.

1. Who is completing the EqIA and why is it being done?

Title of service / proposal / project / strategy / procurement you are assessing

Proposal to alter the way that primary behaviour support services, including intensive short-term schooling provision for pupils at risk of exclusion, are delivered in the Borough of Broxbourne.

Names of those involved in completing the EqIA Christopher Martin, Adrian Bentley

Head of Service or Business Manager Pauline Davis

Team/Department School Planning Team, Children’s Services

Lead officer contact details Christopher Martin

Focus of EqIA – what are you assessing?

The above-mentioned proposal will require:

the commissioning of a new primary behaviour support service for the area, including outreach support to mainstream schools and intensive short stay schooling, from Rivers Education Support Centre (ESC), Old Essex Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0AA with effect from January 2021;

a change of age range for Rivers ESC from 11–16 to 5–16 years (i.e. an alteration of the lower age limit); and

the closure of the Primary Support Base (PSB) located at Andrews Lane Primary School, Andrews Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN7 6LB.

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Why is this being proposed? In Hertfordshire, specialist support for primary-age pupils with emotional and behavioural needs in mainstream schools is delivered through a range of services. They include advice and outreach to support children in mainstream schools; a small number of short-term places and 6th Day Provision for permanently excluded children; and where necessary, longer term places for pupils with particularly significant and complex emotional and behavioural needs. The aim of the primary behaviour support services is to keep these vulnerable children in their mainstream school wherever possible. In some areas the intensive short stay schooling services are provided by a PSB. This has been the case in the Borough of Broxbourne, where these services had been delivered from a PSB, located at and managed by Andrews Lane Primary School. From 1 April 2019 these services have been managed by the local DSPL group, as The Phoenix Centre PSB. Other areas have successfully enhanced provision by moving to a model where primary behaviour services are provided by the local ESC. Following a review of primary behaviour support services in the Borough of Broxbourne, the county council and the local DSPL partnership, consider that moving to the ESC model would have a positive impact for pupils and schools in the area, as it will provide enhanced education opportunities and improved facilities. The Andrews Lane PSB was established with a capacity of 6 pupils. The capacity of the new provision at the ESC will increase to 12 pupils. It is proposed to commission a range of outreach services, advice and support and a small number of pupil places available for intensive short-stay schooling from Rivers ESC, which is rated by Ofsted as “Good”. It is currently designated as a provider for children in the age range 11-16 years; however, it is proposed to change the age range to 5-16 years so that primary-age pupils can be provided for. New separate accommodation would be provided on the ESC site for intensive short-stay schooling and 6th Day Provision as required, with

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designated outside space. The capital cost will be met by the Local Authority. Project costs are not yet finalised but will be once a competitive tendering process is complete.

Stakeholders

Officers carried out a 4-week public consultation on this proposal, which started on 10 June and ended on 7 July 2020. Consultation letters were sent (by electronic means including e-mail or in hard copy form) to the following stakeholders:

1. Parents/carers of children attending the two schools (Andrews Lane Primary and Rivers ESC);

2. Staff at the two schools; 3. School Governors at the two schools; 4. Maintained schools in Broxbourne District; 5. Nurseries, pre-schools, day-care centres and other early years settings

in Broxbourne District; 6. MP(s), County Councillors, Broxbourne District Councillors and Local

Authority Chief Executives; 7. Trade Union representatives; 8. Church Diocese representatives; 9. NHS representatives; 10. Parent Governor representatives on the Overview and Scrutiny

Committee; 11. Local Libraries and Citizen’s Advice Bureaux; 12. Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI); 13. Headteacher Forums; 14. Selected officers working for Hertfordshire County Council.

The consultation letter and response form were also available on Hertfordshire County Council’s website (www.hertfordshire.gov.uk). A total of 836 consultation letters were sent out (by electronic means including email or in hard copy form).

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2. List of data sources used for this EqIA

Title and brief description Date Gaps in data

Officers carried out a 4-week public consultation on this proposal, which started on 10 June and ended on 7 July 2020. Following the end of the consultation period officers analysed the responses that were received and considered any issues that were raised in them concerning the protected characteristics listed in section 3 below. These issues and our response to them have been incorporated into this updated EqIA.

10 June – 7 July 2020

None

Spring 2020 school census data on gender split, English as an additional language (EAL), ethnicity, free school meal (FSM) eligibility, number of children with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans (E) or SEN support (K). Average % for all 33 primary schools in Broxbourne District. Countywide data in last column includes pupils at special schools.

Spring 2020 school census data

All Prim Schs in Broxbourne District (av. %)

Hertfordshire County (av. %)

Students (Years R to 6) 9089 100993

Number Minority Ethnic Students (not White British and excluding Refused and Not Obtained)

3314 33412

% Minority Ethnic Students (not White British and excluding Refused and Not Obtained)

36.46% 33.08%

Number EAL (English as an additional language) (First language Not English or believed not to be English excluding Refused and Not Obtained)

1544 17705

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% EAL (First language Not English or believed not to be English excluding Refused and Not Obtained)

16.99% 17.53%

Number with EHC plans (E) 136 2497

% with EHC plans (E) 1.50% 2.47%

Number with SEN support (K) 1110 12855

% with SEN support (K) 12.21% 12.73%

Number Eligible for FSM (Free School Meals) (at date of Census)

1312 11890

% Eligible for FSM (at date of Census)

14.44% 11.77%

Number of Male Students 4590 51573

% of Male Students 50.50% 51.07%

Number of Female Students 4499 49420

% of Female Students 49.50% 48.93%

Summary of data in the table above.

For primary-age pupils (Reception to Year 6), comparing the average percentage across all 33 primary schools in the Broxbourne District with the county average: the percentage of Minority Ethnic Students is higher; the percentage of pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) is lower; the percentage of pupils with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans (E) is lower; the percentage of pupils with SEN support (K) is lower; the percentage of pupils who are eligible for free school meals (FSM) is higher; the percentage of male pupils is lower than the county average and the percentage of female pupils is correspondingly higher.

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3. Analysis and assessment: review of information, impact analysis and mitigating actions

Protected characteristic group

What do you know? What do people tell you?

What does this mean – what are the potential impacts of the proposal(s)?

What can you do?

Age

During the consultation process the following concerns were raised: ‘My main concern is that children at primary age are so young, in my opinion too young, to be excluded from school. I feel that if they are excluded at this age they feel rejected and don't properly understand what is happening to them.’ And ‘Our main concern would be mixing the younger pupils with the older pupils at the ESC for fear of criminal exploitation and recruitment into gang activity.’

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their age. The proposal requires the lowering of the age range of the ESC to include primary age children. However, the primary age children will be in a separate provision on the site with specialist primary teaching support. It will also be separately funded. The lowering of the age range will therefore not affect secondary aged pupils at the ESC.

No additional mitigation is currently required but the position will continue to be monitored and if any issues in respect of the protected characteristic are identified then the Action Plan below will be amended accordingly. In regard to the mixing of a wide range of age groups, there will be a separate entrance/exit to the new facility alongside separate outdoor learning spaces. Staff would be able to move between the existing Rivers ESC centre and the new primary behaviour service and if the younger children needed to access the Key Stage 4 building they would be accompanied by a member of staff at all times. The placements are also designed to be short term intensive placements (12 weeks maximum, to be reviewed regularly or extended if individual needs are agreed by a range of professionals).

Disability

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their disability.

The position will continue to be monitored and if any issues in respect of the protected characteristic are identified then the Action Plan will be amended accordingly. Any issues identified or known, as well as the duties found within Part 6, Section 149 and Schedules 10 and 13 of the Equality Act 2010 concerning disability will be factored into the individual scheme designs. Any building

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What can you do?

scheme will also meet the requirements to avoid Disability Discrimination under Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010.

Gender reassignment

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their gender reassignment.

No mitigation is currently required but the position will continue to be monitored and if any issues in respect of the protected characteristic are identified then the Action Plan below will be amended accordingly.

Pregnancy and maternity

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their pregnancy or maternity.


Race

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their race.


Religion or belief

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their religion or belief.


Sex/Gender

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their sex/gender.


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What can you do?

Sexual orientation

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their sexual orientation.


Marriage and civil partnership

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their marriage or civil partnership.


Carers

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their caring responsibility.


Other relevant groups Consider if there is a potential impact (positive or negative) on areas such as health and wellbeing, crime and disorder, Armed Forces community.

During consultation it was highlighted that ‘Please consider children looked after as the highest priority for admission. Please consider admitting children who attend schools in the areas listed rather than on their placement address as children looked after often live in different areas to their school’

It is not anticipated at this stage that the proposals will affect people disproportionately because of their looked after status.

Admission arrangements to the new service would be overseen by a group of headteachers and other professionals. Priority is always given to looked-after children in line with the School Admission Code. The funding model that determines the revenue cost is based on the number of children living in the area to ensure that if needed, children attend their closest provision in line with Hertfordshire County Council strategy.

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Opportunity to advance equality of opportunity and/or foster good relations

Other areas have successfully enhanced provision by moving to a model where primary behaviour services are provided by the local ESC. Following a review of primary behaviour support services in the Borough of Broxbourne, the county council and the local DSPL partnership, consider that moving to the ESC model would have a positive impact for pupils and schools in the area, as it will provide enhanced education opportunities and improved facilities. The proposal, should it go ahead, would offer improved opportunities for all children, including:

access to enhanced outreach behaviour support for local mainstream primary schools;

access to local intensive short-term schooling placements for pupils at risk of exclusion, at Rivers ESC;

improved outcomes for pupils in the short and longer term with improved potential for young people to remain in the mainstream setting;

intensive therapeutic support during short-stay schooling;

where a pupil is permanently excluded from a mainstream school, they will be placed on roll at Rivers ESC and provided with full time education.

The proposal will provide enhanced education opportunities and an improved learning environment, in new facilities, for vulnerable pupils at risk of exclusion in the Borough of Broxbourne.

Conclusion of your analysis and assessment

OUTCOME AND NEXT STEPS SUMMARY

i. No equality impacts identified - No major change required to proposal

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ii. Minimal equality impacts identified - Adverse impacts have been identified, but have been objectively

justified (provided you do not unlawfully discriminate) - Ensure decision makers consider the cumulative effect of how a

number of decisions impact on equality - No major change required to proposal

In addition to the Action Plan, the actions as identified above in relation to the issues raised regarding age and looked after status provide sufficient mitigation methodologies to address any potential adverse impact.

iii. Potential equality impacts identified - Take ‘mitigating action’ to change the original policy/proposal,

remove barriers or better advance equality - Set out clear actions in the action plan in section 4.

iv. Major equality impacts identified - The adverse effects are not justified, cannot be mitigated or show

unlawful discrimination - You must stop and remove the policy

[you should consult with Legal Services] - Ensure decision makers understand the equality impact

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4. Prioritised Action Plan

Impact identified and group(s) affected

Action planned

Expected outcome Measure of success Lead officer and timeframe

Stakeholders

Explore ways of supporting parents, carers, governors and staff through the change process.

Stakeholders are fully supported throughout the process.

No stakeholders raise issues of not being supported through the process.

Chris Martin December 2020

Disabled Pupils

Ensure that any known issues around disability are factored into the individual scheme designs and that all building schemes are compliant with the Equalities Act.

New build is fully compliant with build requirements.

New build is fully compliant with build requirements.

Chris Martin December 2020

This EqIA has been signed off by:

Lead Equality Impact Assessment officer: Christopher Martin Date: 25 August 2020

Head of Service or Business Manager: Pauline Davis Date: 25 August 2020

Review date: 27 October 2020

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL EDUCATION, LIBRARIES …. Item … · Samantha Young, Senior Planning...

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