High Needs Block (standing item)
LA Representative
Minutes:
The High Needs Place Termly report 20 June 2025 had been circulated before the meeting.
Emma Brayford updated the meeting.
a) High Needs Block Update
· There has been no further update on the AP free school, but the LA are hoping to receive an update soon.
· There has been notification of a Statutory Override Settlement announcement (relating to off balance sheet council underfunding – shown as a debt in the Balance Sheet but not reported).
b) High Needs Place Report review
· Kirklees Special School costs per pupil on roll were reviewed.
· Exiting ARPs (excluding sensory provisions) cost per pupil on roll were reviewed.
Q. There is a large difference in the cost per pupil on roll between the different provisions (Windmill Primary vs Royds Hall Secondary)?
A. The high cost at Windmill is related to capacity issues.
· Existing ARPs Sensory Provision cost per pupil on roll were reviewed.
Q. The cost of provision is significantly different? Are provisions significantly different?
A. Different specialisations impacts on cost per place. Specialisations include Vision Impairment, Hearing Impairment and Physical Impairment. Outreach work undertaken also has a significant impact on cost per place. There is a significant amount of outreach work done.
ACTION: To help understanding of significant differences in cost per place per pupil could additional notes of explanation be included in the notes column of the tables. This should include impacts on costs of outreach work undertaken.
· New Phase 1 ARPs (established September 2023) review of cost per pupil on roll.
It was noted that provision physical environment limits should be considered in agreement of future provision.
Q. Are differences in cost per pupil as a result of needs of the children or school staffing structures?
A. An update will be provided at a future Schools Forum meeting.
Q. Could we consider a budget allocation by type per place per pupil for future agreements?
A. An update can be offered in terms of the methodology behind the per pupil price allocation.
ACTION: An update on drivers of cost per place per pupil to be brought to a future schools forum meeting considering needs of pupils vs staffing structures.
· Outreach Referral numbers
It was noted that the volume of referrals does help to explain the differences in cost per pupil per place.
· Alternative Provision commissioned by Kirklees Council review of cost per pupil on roll
Q. Why are there no students on roll for Employability Solutions Alternative Provision?
A. This can be checked. We have two contracts for this setting. The numbers are higher than expected for one thread. We need to review the duration children spend in the setting, as some may have moved from one setting to another without this being reflected in the reported numbers.
Q. Academy 21 is under capacity?
A. This provision is on a pay as you go basis.
Q. Where will be the additional 14 places that have been commissioned for 2025 be located?
A. This information will be circulated.
Q. When do we expect re contracting of places?
A. In the main, places will be next up for tender in 18 months time. This will differ for Day 6 provision. A lot of work is currently being done to review capacity. There is a dependency on the AP Free school.
The need for an ARP for SEMH (KS 4 particularly) was noted.
ACTION: The number of students on roll for Employability Solutions Alternative Provision to be checked.
ACTION: The location of the additional 14 places commissioned for 2025 to be circulated to all.
The Chair noted thanks for the very clear report presented,