The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a report, Document IE, which asks Forum Members to consider the outcomes of the consultation on the 2018/19 High Needs Funding Model and the planned number of high needs places to be commissioned by the Authority. Document IE also gives an update on the position of other strategic high needs funding matters. This update is provided in advance of asking Members to make final recommendations on 10 January 2018.

Recommended –

The Forum is asked to consider the outcomes of the consultation and whether any of the proposals should be changed in the light of responses. Members will be asked to make final recommendations on the structure of the formulae on 10 January 2018. As such, Members are asked to consider whether sufficient information has now been provided to enable these final recommendations to be made.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document IE, which asked members to consider the outcomes of the consultation, which was agreed at the last meeting, for the High Needs Block Funding Model for 2018/19. Additional analysis of responses was tabled at the meeting. The report provided an updated list of the planned number of high needs places to be commissioned by the Authority as well as an update on other strategic matters, including an outline of the SEMH review. Members were informed that a detailed presentation will be delivered on the SEND review, the SEMH review and High Needs Block matters at the beginning of the 10 January meeting. The Authority’s intention to establish a local agreement for the financing of permanent exclusions in the primary phase was specifically highlighted as well as the proposal for the reduction by 1.5% of the value of top up rates in 2018/19.

Members asked the following questions and made the following comments:

·         The representative of the PRUs expressed concern that a reduction in the value of top up within the High Needs Block is out of line with the position of the MFG in the Schools Block. He expressed his view that it would be unfair to enact such a reduction on high needs block funded settings.

·         The Chair asked for a view on how our top up rates compare with that in other authorities. The Business Advisor explained that benchmarking of 2017/18 rates was carried out in October and presented within the high needs consultation paper. Although there are difficulties with the comparisons this analysis suggests that our rates of funding of SEND provision are in line with rates in other areas. He added, from attendance at recent meetings, we are aware that most regional authorities are currently looking at their top up arrangements due to High Needs Block pressures. The Business Advisor also added that the place-element funding rate remains at £10,000 in 2018/19 and that the position of top up funding should be viewed in this context.

·         An Academies Member asked for clarification on how the suggested figure of £8,000 for a permanent exclusion in the primary sector has been calculated. The Business Advisor stated that he understood that this is the figure used by the secondary sector. The Member expressed concern that this value is more fully considered, as costs are different between phases, and that there is genuine and detailed consultation with schools and academies on the development of a local agreement. Members also identified that clarity would be needed on how the ‘on roll’ status of pupils would be managed.

·         The Vice Chair added that it is critical that the SEMH review delivers a collective understanding of, and a clear framework for, how schools challenge each other in the management of pupils with SEMH needs and challenge decisions taken regarding permanent exclusion. He added that there is a great deal of very positive work currently taking place that the SEMH review will capture.

·         Linking in with the discussions that took place under matters raised by schools and under the DSG item, a number of members expressed their concern to understand (and to seek re-assurance on) how these critical, and sizeable, reviews are to be delivered. It was agreed that the Strategic Director, Children’s Services, be asked to comment at the next meeting on the Authority’s capacity to successfully deliver these reviews.

·         Members asked for the presentation to be delivered on 10 January to included a number of specific updates, which are recorded below.

Resolved –

(1)  That the analysis of the consultation responses be noted.

(2)  That the SEND / SEMH presentation to the Forum on 10 January:

a.    references how the Authority’s Early Help strategy, capital investment plan and home to school transport policy supports the successful delivery of structural change to the High Needs Block.

b.    explains further what is proposed in outline regarding the development of a local exclusions agreement in the primary phase.

c.    provides further information on how the Authority’s place growths plan sits against the most up to do demographic and need data.

(3)  That the Strategic Director, Children’s Services, be asked to comment on the Authority’s capacity to deliver the identified High Needs Block structural change.

LEAD: SEN Strategic Manager