Decision details

The Finance Manager presented the report and highlighted the following areas:

·         That when the 2018-19 budget was set, high needs pressures had been forecast which exceeded the funding allocation so DSG balances were used to meet in-year pressure whilst working with schools to develop proposals for managing the High Needs budget in 2019-20. 

·         Proposals included the introduction of a banding system for element 3 top-up funding for children with EHCPs in mainstream schools and inclusion centres, as well as a reduction of 1% in special school top-up rates.

·         That whilst schools were supportive of the measures, concerns had been raised regarding the overall level of funding.

·         Following the Secretary of State's announcement of additional funding, it was proposed to retain the existing top-up rates for special schools, inclusion centres and children with EHCPs in mainstream schools. This would allow officers to monitor the impact of the additional funding and to undertake a new review.

·        In advance of any review, Flying Bull Academy had recently highlighted the increasing needs of pupils attending their AP unit, requiring the school to provide additional support and therefore incurring additional costs. Following a review of their business case, an increase to the element 3 top-up from £4,638 to £6,000 per annum was proposed for that unit from September 2019.

DECISIONS:

That the Cabinet Member

1.1.    Approved the 2019-20 Element 3 Top-up rates for Special Schools, Inclusion Centres and Alternative Provision settings as set out in Appendix 1.

1.2.    Reversed the decision made on 9 October 2018 to implement the proposed changes to the high needs funding namely:

a.         The introduction of a banding system for element 3 top-up funding for children with EHCPs in mainstream schools.

b.        The introduction of a banding system for element 3 top-up funding for children with EHCPs in inclusion centres.

c.         Reduce special school rates by 1%

d.        To recommission the Outreach contract from September 2019 to achieve a cost reduction of 10%

e.         To make efficiencies in the Portage Plus team in order to release £10,000 of funding.