Issue - meetings

This report provides an outline of the present challenges and the approach being developed to address these issues.

The number of Education, Health and Care Plans is continuing to increase and whilst there is evidence of increasing numbers within mainstream settings there is continued and increasing demands upon the budget.

BCP Council is progressing the implementation of new mainstream funding bands which will provide funding to meet more needs within mainstream schools as well reviewing the specialist support available to schools.

Work has commenced on developing funding bands across BCP Special Schools to harmonise funding arrangements and ensure there is sufficient resources to meet needs.

BCP Council received a Supplementary School Grant for Special Schools within the High Needs budget, and this is being distributed on a pro rate by commissioned place approach. The plan is to incorporate this within the Special School funding bands being developed.

The Head of Service, SEND, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided an outline of the present challenges and the approach being developed to address these issues.

RESOLVED that the Schools Forum noted the report.

Voting: Nem. Con.