Agenda item

It was reported that the new banding system was to be kept under review. Financial trends had been compiled which would inform trends for the next twelve months.

It was noted there had been a large increase of 14% of EHCPs over the past twelve months, significantly higher than what was evidenced in Resource bases and special schools. More work was required on these trends, particularly in mainstream and it was queried whether this was due to more complex needs being supported in mainstream. It was acknowledged that further work was required which would also advise part of the SEND panel process. Members suggested it would be of interest to know if the 14% all had mainstream places.

This work would also feed into the DSG Management plan due to top up as there was a need to consider the ‘drivers’ and what was required to mitigate circumstances in mainstream schools.

It was pointed out that special schools top-up funding accounted for approximately two thirds of all top-up funding and the LA’s average change value of a 2% reduction per EHCP in special schools was queried. It was explained that over the period reported, the total number of pupils placed in special schools within Slough had not significantly changed due to maximum capacity generally being reached in the schools. The data had shown a number of high cost EHCPs had moved out of the special schools during the period, which had reduced the average EHCP value being reported to this meeting.. New pupils entering Slough special schools were placed using the new matrix banding system, at a lower funding rate than those pupils leaving the schools, which was leading to a slightly reduced average EHCP value. More work was to be undertaken to look more closely at this and to consider funding models offering more stability in special schools.

The Chair thanked Mark McCurrie for his three clear reports.