Decision details

Implementation of a new High Needs funding model within mainstream schools.

Background Papers:

27 February 2021 Kirklees Council Cabinet Report - Proposed changes to top-up funding allocations for children in mainstream schools with an EHCP.

Cabinet Paper

March 2024 Kirklees Safety Valve Agreement

Dedicated Schools Grant ‘Safety Valve’ Agreement: Kirklees

SEND The Big Plan

https://www.kirkleeslocaloffer.org.uk/media/sdgdbonx/final-the-big-plan-refresh-of-send-strategy-oct23.pdf

Engagement Process:

Strategic Managers have engaged via Schools Forum, Primary, Secondary and Special School Heads meetings and SENDCo Net.

Task and Finish Group with Head Teachers, SENDCos, PCAN and LA officers, the group have met five times between 24 October 2023 and 1 March 2024.

Information and Engagement Sessions with schools on the 11 March 2024 and 20 March 2024.

Consultation:

Interviews took place with Local Authority staff, schools, early years providers, health, KIASS, PCAN and parents and carers in June and July 2023.

The findings of the mainstream high needs funding review were presented back to Head Teachers, SENDCos, Governors, PCAN and KIASS, Local Authority officers and councillors in September and October 2023.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the new funding model to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools be approved. 

2)    That it be noted, the new model would devolve high needs funding to schools at a cluster and area level to meet the needs of children at the earliest opportunity and that multiagency support would ensure the right support was offered in the right place at the right time.

3)    That it be noted, the new model would allow clusters and areas to use the funding more flexibly to support children with SEND, no longer tying funding only to those children with an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director for Learning and Early Support to implement the new model from September 2024.