Agenda item

Officers gave an overview of the Education Psychology Service Report Card as detailed in the circulated report.

It was highlighted that a pilot of Consultation Clinics had been completed in 23 schools within Neath Port Talbot which focuses on an improved early identification and intervention of pupils needs.  As a consequence of the pilot there has been a reduction of referrals from 2012- 2015 levels and work is ongoing to cascade the Clinics to all schools within Neath Port Talbot.

Members queried whether there was a cost to the referrals to School Action Plus? Officers explained that there is cost to the service but the target was to reduce the numbers of referrals by August 2018 to 400 per annum.  Also, there had been a reduction in referrals to services due to the preventative work carried out by the  pilot Consultation Clinics which has had positive feedback from schools with increased links being developed.

Officers also confirmed that Staff Appraisals would be completed by March 2017.

Members were pleased with the development of the Consultation Clinics and that schools, teachers were being supported to identify and address, at an early stage the problems being experience by some children and remedial action put in place but asked if parents were involved in the process.  Officers explained that work is on-going with schools to involve the parents and confirm the responsibilities.

Following Scrutiny, the report was noted.