Agenda item

Officers explained that the unit had started in September 2016 with nine students and supported young people aged 16-19 who had learning disabilities or special needs. Learners worked on programmes to develop skills and learn as they progressed towards adulthood. It was planned that there would be 27 students enrolled from September 2017, showing the demand for this type of service.

The Committee was also joined by several young people who attended the unit. They reported that they liked the facility, particularly enjoying areas such as maths, music, cooking and leaning to shop independently. Students’ families added that, since attending the centre, the young people had acquired skills such as cooking breakfast and swimming. The families felt that, since attending the centre, that had noticed a difference in their children who were now able to interact much better with groups of people.

The Chairman thanked the young people and their families for their attendance and input to the meeting and this was marked by warm applause from all members of the Sub-Committee. The head of the unit thanked the Council for their support and also recorded her thanks to the parents and carers of the original students who had trusted in the planned provision before the facility had opened.

It was noted that an e-mail from the Chair of Governors at Corbets Tey School relating to this agenda item had been sent in a personal capacity and had not been on behalf of the Governing Body as a whole.

Officers believed that the Avelon @ Corbets Tey provision had been a success. It provided an alternative and was cost effective as it reduced the need for students to be placed outside of Havering. This also reduced travelling time for children.

Officers explained that the phase 2 expansion of Avelon @ Corbets Tey was to have been covered by section 106 funding but this had not proved sufficient. Future budget plans would therefore be taken to the next available Cabinet meeting and a new procurement process would also have to take place. It was hoped, subject to Cabinet approval, to bring funding for the expansion project into this year’s capital programme. The Council’s asset management section was confident that the construction of phase 2 could still be achieved by September 2017 but it was accepted that a full timeline needed to be established.

A co-opted member stated she had been advised that phase 2 would not be completed by September and felt therefore that a contingency plan should be confirmed. Officers would discuss this with asset management and keep the school and the families of prospective students advised of the position. Members agreed that there needed to be good communication about the project. Planning for the new buildings had already been secured and officers would check on the decision making process that would be required.

All young people at the unit would be from Havering and aged 16-19 although it was planned to extend this to 25 years of age. There was a rising demand for the Avelon provision and some young people could move on to the Avelon adult centre.

Future plans included the use of roof space in the building to potentially increase capacity further although there would be a phased approach to any further expansion. Other boroughs had requested to purchase places at the facility but this would be kept for Havering young people. Not all pupils would be taught on the site at the same time in any case.

Staff at Avelon aspired for the young people to be more independent and employment was also a focus of the unit’s work. The need for increased staffing would need to be addressed as part of any contingency planning.

The Sub-Committee noted the position and it was agreed that the Chairman should write to the young people who attended the meeting, thanking them for their input.