Agenda item

An update on the work undertaken on developing the processes and funding for high needs pupils and students was provided to the Forum.  

They were advised that two funding options had now been developed for the arrangements for top up funding for the four special schools.  Both models were based on 2012/13 cash budgets and 2013/14 estimated numbers.  The proposed top up levels for each of the options were provided in the report.

The four special schools had since been consulted on the two funding options which were described in the report.  A further paper was provided on the consultation for the top up funding for the four Halton Special Schools and High Needs Assessment process for students aged 0-25 years.

Each of the four special schools was asked to indicate which of the two top up options they would prefer for 2013-14.  Three of the four special schools indicated their preference for the second banded option.  It was therefore recommended that the second banded option was used as the proposed funding model for 2013-14.  A review of the impact of this banded top up level would be undertaken in 2013-14.

Following the meeting of a task group set up to consider the changes required to the High Needs Assessment process, the Forum was advised that they had developed a High Needs/Student Assessment Process so that Halton had documented procedures to assess the needs of all pupils/students with high needs from 0-25 years old for the year 2013-14. 

The High Needs Students Assessment Framework for 2013-14 document was attached with the supplementary information and approved by members.  Additionally a flow chart (Appendix 1) showing the assessment process and the current criteria that had been adapted was included with the supplementary information.

The attention of the Forum was drawn to the additional needs criteria which was agreed as:

‘Exceptionally, a successful inclusive school may find themselves in a situation where they were attracting high needs pupils, yet they have low levels of additional needs funding and believe it was unable / unreasonable for it to fund the notional SEN for all their high needs pupils.  In these circumstances any school that thought they should be treated as an exception would need to provide appropriate evidence to a moderation panel, a sub-committee of the Schools Forum.  Critical factors would be: the overall number of high needs pupils and the relative level of the school’s notional SEN budget.  Advice from the School Psychologists may be helpful in judging whether the particular circumstances were affecting a particular school.  A Schools Forum Sub Committee would agree additional guidelines to assist in determining whether they might be regarded as exceptional in this respect’

Following a discussion on the membership requirements of the subcommittee to take on the above role, volunteers were requested.  Lesley Feakes (Infant representative) Linda Bowles (PVI representative) and John Rigby (Secondary representative) had volunteered.  One member of staff from the SEN team and one Finance Officer would be needed as well, the names of who would be confirmed later.  It was agreed that guidelines would be needed for the Sub Committee who would operate within delegated powers to make decisions, however, they would be required report to Schools Forum.

Forum members agreed to the membership and it was noted that the group would be coordinated by Ann McIntyre, Operational Director for Children’s Organisation and Provision.

RESOLVED:  That Schools Forum

1.    Notes the progress made to date;

2.    Agrees the banded option of providing top up to the four special schools for 2013-14; and

3.    Approves the High Needs Assessment Framework for 2013-14.