Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to seek Cabinet approval for the approach to tackle the financial pressure on the High Needs Block – particularly the spend on SEND, which forms most of the expenditure.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Colin Hayfield

 That Cabinet:

1)     Approves the report and action plan agreed by Schools Forum to ensure efficient use of the High Needs Block (part of Dedicated Schools Grant)

2)     Agrees that as a precautionary measure that the Council continues at this stage with the disapplication application to move 0.5% of Dedicated Schools Grant from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block until the Leader in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Education makes a final, decision whether to continue or withdraw the disapplication application should anticipated changes in financial regulations still make this relevant.

Councillor Colin Hayfield (Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning) explained the basis of funding for special education needs and disability (SEND). Cabinet was informed of the proposal to passport 0.5% of the Dedicated Schools Grant to the High Needs Group. For this to happen the approval is required of the Schools Forum. This approval had not yet been given but further consideration was to be given to the matter by the Schools Form on 16 January 2020.

Referencing paragraph 3.4 of the report Councillor Jerry Roodhouse observed that whatever the outcome of the proposed transfer of resources further financial support will be required. He suggested that schools should be required to publish evidence that they have used funds intended to support special education in an appropriate way. Local MPs and central government should be lobbied. This was acknowledged by Cabinet which agreed to add a further element to its resolution to that effect.

Finally, Councillor Roodhouse suggested that the Schools Forum and schools should engage more in partnership work to identify ways in which resources can be better utilised. Councillor Jenny Fradgley noted that more could be done to make better use of Pupil Premiums as many schools are missing out on this source of funds. In order to maintain good working relationships with the Schools Forum and schools Councillor Helen Adkins suggested deferring the action proposed in recommendation 2.

In response to this suggestion Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader (Finance and Property) reminded the meeting that disapplication is a mechanism that can be used if considered appropriate. No decision has been made at this stage to use it. In summing up Councillor Colin Hayfield agreed that government should be lobbied for additional resources. He also agreed with the observation that schools miss out funding-wise when free school meals are not claimed. He added that he would not willingly use the disapplication process and would not wish to make matters worse for schools. Shire counties are frequently underfunded in terms of education. It was hoped that education funding across the country will be more even in the future.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1) Approves the report and action plan agreed by Schools Forum to ensure efficient use of the High Needs Block (part of Dedicated Schools Grant)

2) Agrees that as a precautionary measure that the Council continues at this stage with the disapplication application to move 0.5% of Dedicated Schools Grant from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block until the Leader in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Education makes a final, decision whether to continue or withdraw the disapplication application should anticipated changes in financial regulations still make this relevant.

3) Continues to lobby local MPs and government for additional resources to support the delivery of Special Education Needs and Disability services.