Agenda item

This report provides an update on Exceptional Circumstances Funding arrangements for mainstream schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for 2026/27. It reviews the 2025/26 funding model, sets out the financial and strategic context, and presents revised model options intended to ensure funding is transparent, sustainable and targeted to schools with the highest proportion of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. Schools Forum is asked to note the revised models, select the preferred option for 2026/27, and support ongoing review to ensure the approach remains fair, affordable and aligned with SEND reform priorities.

 

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

 

The report provided an update on Exceptional Circumstances Funding arrangements for mainstream schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for 2026/27. It reviewed the 2025/26 funding model, set out the financial and strategic context, and presented revised model options intended to ensure funding was transparent, sustainable and targeted to schools with the highest proportion of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. Schools Forum was asked to note the revised models, select the preferred option for 2026/27, and support ongoing review to ensure the approach remains fair, affordable and aligned with SEND reform priorities.

 

The Forum discussed the Report, including:

 

·       It was clarified that the proposed model, if agreed, could be applied using the summer term census data, with spring term payments having already been made. 

·       Members supported the proposed percentage thresholds but queried the rationale for retaining the £600,000 exceptional funding envelope and sought assurance that schools exceeding notional SEND budgets would continue to receive appropriate support through existing funding arrangements and inclusion initiatives. It was confirmed that individual circumstances would continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

·       It was noted that the £600,000 exceptional funding allocation was funded from the High Needs Block and was considered comparable with arrangements used nationally. 

·       Members emphasised the need for a formal exceptional funding policy to provide clarity and consistency for schools and requested information on historical expenditure against the exceptional funding budget. 

·       It was confirmed that eligibility calculations would continue to be based on termly census data. 

·       Concerns were raised about implementing revised arrangements for the summer term, with a preference expressed for implementation from September to allow schools adequate notice and budget certainty. It was agreed that the implementation date would be considered separately. 

·       Frustration was expressed regarding previous exceptional funding arrangements and the application of national guidance. It was noted that national guidance had existed for some time but had not previously been applied in full to allow schools to retain expected levels of funding while a revised policy was developed. 

·       An update was provided on the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, noting a recent decline in performance. Additional investment in locum Educational Psychologists had been made to address delays. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of assessment delays on schools’ eligibility for exceptional funding. 

 

The Chair requested Forum Members vote on whether the revised exceptional funding model should be implemented from September 2026 for the 2026/27 academic year, with the existing arrangements remaining in place for the summer term census period

 

This proposal was supported by the Forum.

 

The Chair then requested Forum Members to vote on the three proposed funding models. The results of the initial vote were as follows:

 

• Model One: 1 vote

• Model Two:  3 votes

• Model Three:  3 votes

 

As Models Two and Three received equal support, a further vote was undertaken between the two options. Model Two received the majority support and was selected as the Forum's preferred option.

 

The Forum continued to discuss the item and requested the following be undertaken:

 

·       It was requested that the impact of the chosen model be reviewed by the Forum later in the academic year to assess its effectiveness. 

·       The Forum requested that a formal exceptional funding policy be presented by the September meeting to provide clarity and consistency for schools. 

·       It was recommended that the policy include guidance on the impact of EHCNA delays and any potential implications for funding eligibility. 

·       It was confirmed that the exceptional funding allocation had been fully distributed and there was no unallocated funding available from the existing budget envelope. 

·       Discussion took place regarding historic funding arrangements and the application of previous policies. It was agreed that further discussions would take place outside the meeting to review the issues raised and report back as appropriate. 

 

RESOLVED that Schools Forum:

(a) note the revised Exceptional Circumstances Funding models;

(b) agree the preferred option of model two be implemented for the start of the Autumn 2026/27 term and the 2025/26 funding model be extended for the 2026 summer term; and

 (c) support ongoing review to ensure sustainability, fairness and alignment with SEND reform priorities.

 

Voting: For - Unanimous