Agenda item

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submits a report to update the Commission on the consultation to implement a fairer funding model across all the mainstream schools with effect from September 2022 that provide support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). 

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submitted a report to update the Commission on the consultation to implement a fairer funding model across all the mainstream schools with effect from September 2022 that provide support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Head of the SEND Support Service presented the item, it was noted that:

·         A formal consultation had concluded in late 2021, parents were included in the consultation, but the main target audience was educational professionals.

·         132 responses to the consultation were received, with half of schools responding. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the schools that didn’t respond were broadly in favour of the changes proposed.

·         All schools agreed that the new funding model was simpler and more transparent, but schools who would lose funding under the model were concerned if it was fair.

·         The largest concerns were around the transition between the different funding models. To address this there would be one off funding provided to schools facing reductions in the new model for one year to help manage the transition. This would be provided by the Council from the High Needs Block.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:

·         No approval was needed from DfE on these changes.

·         Additional support for schools facing reductions would be provided by an Inclusion Quality team, providing best practice advice and support to spend resources more efficiently. They would also provide accountability to ensure that each school was spending the funding appropriately.

·         Fluctuation for SEND funding was natural to schools due to changes in pupil numbers, so once the transition funding ended the fluctuation would be similar to previous experiences.

·         The new model would ensure that each child got the right amount of funding that they needed. Schools that would lose funding were currently disproportionately receiving more funding per child than others.

·         In line with Element 3 and EHCP processes, schools would have an annual opportunity to request more funding for any child based on their needs.

·         A school would have to clearly explain why they could not meet the requirements of the EHCP, and there were processes in place for the Council to challenge that.

·         As a result of the complexity of the current funding formula, some schools who were receiving disproportionately more funding, were unsure themselves as to why that was the case.

·         It was important to not overspend too much on the High Needs Block, as other Authorities had been instructed to put the spending into balance by DfE over a shorter period than was felt practical by the Council.

·         The EHCP funding for each child was statutory so would follow the child no matter what school they were at.

AGREED:

1.    That the Commission supports the new funding model outlined in the report.

2.    That the Commission requests a report six months into the transitional year.