Issue - meetings

To approve the use of the additional High Needs Grant provided by the department for Education.

The committee received the report which sought approval for the use of £1.8 million additional High Needs Grant provided by the Department for Education.

There was extensive debate and concerns were raised by some members, particularly regarding using the funding to offset overspend and the proposed percentage increase to Park Lane Special School and Springfield Special School which was felt by some to be too low.

Assurances were given that the recommendations in the report were in line with the government guidance and had support from the Schools Forum.

A motion was moved and seconded which sought to amend the permanent increase to the high needs top up rate from 2% to 3% for two of the lowest funded special schools, Park Lane Special School and Springfield Special School. The motion was declared lost.

RESOLVED (by majority):

That the Children and Families Committee approve the allocation of the additional high needs funding as set out below:

1.    Allocate £237,056 to maintained special schools, academy special schools, free special schools and the pupil referral unit (PRU).

2.    Increase the budget for top up funding for education placements in independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, further education colleges and other local authority special schools by £176,270.

3.    £670,000 to be used for additional support and invest to save proposals.

4.    £755,249 to contribute to the current cost pressures of educational placements for our young people, both new and historic placements.