Issue - meetings

Report CEF22064

The report provided an update on the High Needs Funding Banding Review that commenced in September 2021.

Local authorities had statutory responsibilities to keep the special educational provision in their area under review, working with parents, young people and institutions (as set out in chapter 4 of the SEND Code of Practice). This included the mechanisms and processes for agreeing top-up funding.

The High Needs Banded Funding Review commenced in September 2021 to consider top-up levels for education settings across the 0-25yrs age range for children and young people (CYP) who had Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The review was designed to examine the existing High Needs Banded Funding models and calculations, as well as explore the outcomes expected from the funding and link complexities of need and expected provision to the different bands of funding. Having clear descriptors of need and/or provision linked to funding bands, created a transparent funding model that allowed clear comparison between CYP and the funding they received.

In response to a question, the Head of Strategic Place Planning confirmed that the review now incorporated the SEN estates review. The review would focus on top-up funding and funding bands and SEN spaces within additionally resourced provision in mainstream school as well as special schools.  All schools with specialist provision would be reviewed across 4 terms starting from Autumn 2022. The Head of School Place Planning also confirmed that whilst the programme of review was prioritised to where additional places could be delivered quickly or there were specific circumstances that required early review, there was some flexibility with regards priority order.  The Director of Education confirmed that one area the LA was seeking to prioritise was creating additional local inclusive provision.  It was noted that further updates would be bought to Schools’ Forum.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.