It has come to my attention that Babcock LDP are intending to cut posts in the area of SEN before handing back control to Devon LEA (due 2022). This will lead to further deterioration in SEN provision as vital experience will be lost.
I would like to know whether:-
1) Devon LEA are aware of Babcock’s plans.
We are aware that Babcock LDP have recently been through a restructuring process that concluded at the end of May. This restructure is not related to the transition back into Devon County Council next year. As a result of this restructuring, some posts were removed. These were mainly back office and business development posts, but a few were from front facing services. The rationale behind these redundancies was that over the last year Babcock LDP has seen a significant reduction in the traded elements of their business. Although teams worked extremely hard to mitigate against this, the reality is that the baseline costs for Babcock LDP needed to be reset to move the business forwards.
2) Devon LEA have been consulted by Babcock about the proposed cuts.
The changes only affect traded services or those no longer provided and there was no need for Babcock to consult with us.
3) Devon LEA agree with Babcock LDP with cuts in the SEN posts despite the recommendations from OFSTED.
The changes are for traded services and do not impact on the work commissioned by Devon County Council for SEND