Agenda item

The purpose of this paper is to outline the changes of the mainstream SEND banding descriptors and provide three banding value options for consideration. One option will need to be adopted by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council).   

This paper outlines how each of the options will contribute to the long-term reduction of the overall overspend in the High Needs Block budget and the commitment required from both mainstream schools and the SEND Service to reduce growth in both Alternative Provision (AP) and Independent Non-Maintained Special School provision (INMSS). 

Implementation of the adopted new banding value option will commence from October 2022.  

The Interim Head of Performance 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 purpose of this paper was to outline the changes of the mainstream SEND banding descriptors and provide three banding value options for consideration. One option would need to be adopted by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council).   

The paper outlined how each of the options would contribute to the long-term reduction of the overall overspend in the High Needs Block budget and the commitment required from both mainstream schools and the SEND Service to reduce growth in both Alternative Provision (AP) and Independent Non-Maintained Special School provision (INMSS). 

Implementation of the adopted new banding value option would commence from October 2022.  

The Committee discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• The Chair expressed surprise at the level of Headteachers who responded, however it was advised that the consultation was ongoing and it was hoped that higher levels of response would be received through that
• In response to a query regarding the proposed banding values, the Committee was advised that Teacher Assistant hourly rates were considered together with the notional funding of £6,000 provided for each child and it was anticipated that the new banding proposals would be sufficient to reduce the spend on alternative bespoke packages
• It was clarified that provision was always considered during an annual review however a move from independent provision to mainstream would only be considered at a parent’s request
• In response to a query, it was advised that the proposed banding would provide mainstream schools with enough funding and support to increase the number of pupils with EHCPs within their settings which would free up spaces within special schools, thereby reducing numbers attending independent provision.
• The Portfolio Holder for Council Priorities and Delivery addressed the Committee and highlighted that the change in banding proposals was one of many strands to enable schools to ensure children and pupils were in the right place for them, enabling schools to support them, where appropriate providing capital investment and this was part of a bigger package
• A Committee Member requested that, when considering the data going forward, the new EHCPs were separated from the current ones which should hopefully enable progress to be clearly identified sooner. ACTION
• In response to a query regarding if a pupil who received funding from banding spent some of the school year suspended, it was noted that the school would continue to receive funding unless a child was permanently excluded
• In response to a query regarding the increase in some of the banding, it was advised that schools need to be clear on what the funding under an EHCP was being spent on, it may not be for a dedicated TA, it could be sourcing other services such as play therapy
• In response to a query regarding schools buying back support from BCP, it was confirmed that BCP did not have the capacity to offer services to schools and although it was historically offered, schools decided that they would prefer to receive the funding
• The Committee was reassured that a robust framework was being developed to include analysis of the data and agreed that it should review this after it had been implemented for a year. ADD TO FORWARD PLAN
• In response to a query about whether minor adjustments could be made without the need for another full review of the banding, the Committee was advised that it was felt that would not be necessary as the increases should address any funding issues and were part of a much bigger support package being provided through the Written Statement of Action
• In response to a query to the Portfolio Holder regarding the pre exclusion panels the Committee was advised they should hopefully reduce further calls on resources and was one of the pieces of work being taken forward through the Appreciative Inquiry.
• The Portfolio Holder clarified that the funding being discussed was part of the Dedicated Schools Grant, which was ringfenced and was managed by the Schools Forum who expressed how they wished the money to be spent
• In response to a concern regarding the possible reduction of funding for some pupils, the way the pilot was undertaken was detailed and it was highlighted that overall schools would receive an increase, however if a child needed additional support over and above the banding funding provided then consideration would always be given to it.

The Chair summarised discussions as follows:

• Headteachers responding to consultation
• Whether it was sufficient funding
• Annual reviews
• Increase of budget from BCP
• Number of pupils on EHCPs
• Discussion over the proposed new funding schools would receive

RESOLVED that the Committee agree to recommend the proposed option 2 detailed at Paragraph 17 of the report to Cabinet with a review of its implementation in 12 months.

Voting: For – Unanimous

Following a request the Chair moved the Members of Youth Parliament – Update to next on the Agenda.