Extraordinary cabinet meeting to be held on 21 July 2021

An extraordinary meeting is being held by Wiltshire Council on Wednesday 21 July 2021 to discuss two important reports, one giving an update on the Future Chippenham programme and the other focusing on support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Both reports were initially scheduled to be discussed at the cabinet meeting on 13 July 2021 but have been rescheduled for the following week to provide cabinet members with sufficient time to focus on these important items for local communities.

The report on the Future Chippenham programme considers the feedback from the recent distributor road route options consultation, the emerging preferred road route and the next steps to be taken.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We received a good level of responses to the recent consultation and it is important that we listen and take all of this feedback, both positive and negative, into account as we consider the proposals.

"To do this properly we need time to fully consider the information that is being presented to us."

The second report seeks funding for additional posts to meet increased demand and provide effective ongoing support across all areas for children and young people with SEND across Wiltshire. This includes supporting those in early years settings to identify and support pre-school aged learners with SEND and help them move successfully to schools. Council leaders will be asked to agree to provide an additional budget of £1.742m for 2022-23.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND said: "Our officers work hard to provide good ongoing support to our families and carers with SEND children. They are doing this against a backdrop of extreme pressures as cases have risen.

"This funding for additional posts will mean more available expertise to recognise early signs and provide support early so people are able to access the help they need. It will also help with future planning and ensuring families continue to receive the support they need and overall, this will be good news for families and schools. We need to ensure a fit for purpose service to deliver our SEND and Inclusion Strategy, into the future."

The extraordinary cabinet meeting will start at 10am on Wednesday 21 July 2021.