Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 13 January 2025, as a correct record.

The report considers the end of year position for the DSG budget 2024-25. The budget was set with a funding gap of £28m, a similar level compared with the previous year, with the expectation that the innovation fund and other initiatives would start to have impact in reducing the demand for education health and care plans (EHCPs). This was alongside the creation of new SEND places in mainstream schools through capital investment to limit the use of higher cost independent provision.

The outturn is a net in-year funding gap approaching £50m. This is £5m more than indicated at quarter three. There is an element of one-off additional high needs spending over the final quarter, but it is likely most previously unforeseen costs will be on-going.

More children are remaining in mainstream schools but the growth in demand for EHCPs overall has more than offset any potential savings. The demand has continued to grow for independent school places, alternative provision, and bespoke arrangements for those unable to attend any school setting.

The trajectory of the accumulated deficit has therefore continued a significant upward path from £65.5m for March 2024, to £113.3m for March 2025.

The report provides a summary of the high needs budget for 2025-26 and includes details of new activities to support pupils with additional needs in mainstream schools – the inclusion fund and outreach plus. 

The inclusion fund is funded by surplus school block funding as agreed by Schools Forum in January 2025. The report sets out the how the fund will be allocated in 2025-26 following further consultation with headteachers since February this year.

Outreach plus is a new service to support mainstream schools establish resourced provision with the aim of increasing specialist capacity for children with autism spectrum condition and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Once fully implemented these two activities should deliver savings to the high needs budget through future cost avoidance.

The report provides an update on:

-        The Exceptional Circumstances Funding for 2025/26.

-        The resolution of previously unpaid funding from Autumn 2023 to Spring 2025.

A revised criteria and funding model is now in place for 2025-26 that will be reviewed after 2 months to determine future frequency of calculation moving forwards.

Previously unpaid funding amounts have now been paid to all eligible schools on 30.05.25.

The report provides an update on progress made with the Special School Banding Review

To consider and note the Forward Plan

To note the future meeting dates as follows:

-       29 September 2025

-       24 November 2025

-       19 January 2026

-       22 June 2026

To consider any other business, which, in the opinion of the Chairman, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.