Decision details

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member Education and Children's Services, Leader

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

This report provides and update on the outcomes of the consultation on the allocation of top-up funding to support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and includes proposals for a needs led funding system based on an adapted model for Buckinghamshire.

Decision:

Recommendations:

The Cabinet Member is asked to agree the following:

a)      To seek permission from the Secretary of State to be exempted from the Special Schools Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG).

b)      Following consultation with education leaders across Buckinghamshire including head teachers, governors and senior leaders from our special and mainstream schools and pupil referral units on the mechanism for allocating top-up funding for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), it is proposed that:

                                                     I.            The recommended approach of a needs led funding system based on an adapted model for Buckinghamshire is to be implemented;

                                                   II.            The Buckinghamshire model should be based on 5 Bands, plus an exceptional band to support provision for pupils with very complex needs;

                                                 III.            The model should be supported by a moderation process;

                                                 IV.            There should be a phased implementation, beginning with special schools with roll out to mainstream and further settings in future years. 

c)      That there should be a phase of transition to the new funding approach including support for schools that would see a reduction in funding under the proposed model.

Contact: Elizabeth Williams, Head of Finance (Children’s Services) Email: Elizabeth.Williams@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

Publication date: 09/06/2020

Date of decision: 17/06/2020

Effective from:

Current call-in Count: 0

Accompanying Documents: