To approve the Learning Disability Strategy 2018-2028.

That:

(a)  the executive’s response to the recommendations of the children and young peoples’ scrutiny committee at paragraph 40 be approved; and

(b)  the Learning Disability Strategy 2018-2028 (Appendix 1) be approved.

That the council does not have a Learning Disability Strategy. This is not recommended because, whilst a strategy is considered good practice rather than a legal requirement, failure to have one in place will impede the council’s ability to deliver best value and evidence progress in leading social change for people with learning disabilities in Herefordshire.

2. That the council develop a separate Learning Disability Strategy that does not consider the primary healthcare needs of people with learning disabilities. This is not recommended because it would likely have a negative impact on effective joint planning of services and on the required reshaping and improvement of services to ensure good quality life outcomes for people with learning disabilities, whose long-term needs span the commissioning and operational services of the NHS and adult social care.

3. That the council does not include the needs of young people with learning disabilities prior to transition to adult services. This is not recommended because well-coordinated planning across children’s and adult services is essential, firstly to the successful planning of services to meet assessed outcomes and secondly to supporting positive long-term aspirations for independence, employment, lifelong health and active citizenship.

4. That the council develop a whole-life Learning Disability Strategy to cover both the

childhood and adulthood of people with learning disabilities rather than a primarily adult focused strategy. This is not recommended at this time because prior to the start of specific ‘preparation for adulthood’ planning around Year-9 (age 13 onwards), the key issues are common to all children. Beyond this point, the current approach fits with the similar post-adolescence planning process used within health services and with the preparation-for-adulthood process used within the council’s children’s service in aligning with the requirements of the Care Act 2014.