1. The sustainability of the funding model for high needs provision July 2015

2. We are we here? To raise awareness (The high needs block is not sustainable to meet current demand). To engage school community in the challenge (shared problem – joint solution). To develop strategic partnership and leadership across the system. To decide together how to move forward.

3. Key questions Whose challenge is it? Is the perspective the same between LA, special schools, mainstream schools? How do we achieve a shared understanding? What other information would be helpful to assist with the dialogue?

4. The overarching plan - SEDP The Special Education Development Plan sets out a 5 year approach to develop and improve services for children and young people with SEND. 3 main strands 1)Commissioning of Sustainable special education provision. 2)Ensuring that all children and young people who have special educational needs have access to the best and most appropriate education at early years, school and college level. 3)Improving the life chances of young people with special educational needs by ensuring a smooth transition through education and into adulthood.

5. Quick SEN funding recap From April 2012 the LA (SENAR) became responsible for commissioning all ‘high need’ places for Birmingham children and young people aged 0-25. This includes special schools, mainstream schools with resource bases and Post 16 institutions. The LA also responsible for high need children and young people in mainstream settings (top up), independent schools and hospital schools. (AP/ COBS/EARLY YEARS). Each LA is allocated a set amount of high need places. For 14/15 Birmingham is allocated 4924 of which 77% are in special schools, 10% in resource base provision and 13% in post 16 institutions. The LA is responsible for paying TOP UP in mainstream settings.

6. DSG – 15/16 EY 8% School 80% High Needs 12% 79m840m123m Top UP Notional SEN budget £159m

7. SEN funding streams in mainstream settings

8. The total SEN funding package Funding for SEN is not just about high needs. On the whole SEN is supported initially at mainstream schools and through the SEN notional budget. A graduated response would suggest 1.Support through good quality teaching (within E1 funding) 2.Funding for additional needs (within E2 or notional SEN funding) 3.Support for complex needs (within E3 or high need block which is Top Up in mainstream or requirement of high need place at RB/Special etc.

9. What we know Based on current demand there is an increase of 100 special school places each year. The demand for special school appears greater than increase in birth rate. 100 additional special school places = £2m Despite increase in birth rate the TOP UP (E3) funding in mainstream schools has decreased over the last 2 years. (In 2014 no. in receipt of CRISP = 722. In 2015 no. = 551)

10. Number Projections –Special Schools Approximately 100 Addition Pupils Per Year Approximately 50 Additional Pupils Per Year

11. 2015/16 HN budget High Needs BlockSchool Block DSG allocation £123MDSG allocation £840m School block virement £17.5mNotional SEN allocation £159m (within above figure) Total £140.5m (*before recoupment) It has been necessary to transfer funds from the school block to the high need block to deliver funding (place and top up) for additional places requested for special school provision. Business cases to the EFA have not yielded sufficient additional funding in the high needs block to meet current demand. Increases provided are largely formulaic.

12. Free School AP provision There are new and additional pressures on the high needs block i.e. Free AP Schools. There are 0 children with a statement/EHC plan in Free AP schools in BCC but the high needs block funds all places at these settings (amount 1m this year – 3 settings). Others agree with limited LA voice.

13. Amended JSNA - Need Projections

14. Pupils Numbers - Specials (based on January 15 commissioned numbers) 199 Vacancies 33 Additional Places

15. Potential scenario on 1 st April 2015 using new commissioning model 199 Vacancies 0 Additional Places

16. What are we trying to achieve Shared view on options available to achieve sustainability in HN block. We need to work with all school partners so that all are aware of the issues and all help to find a solution. It is evident that the solution will be a combination of options.

17. Key questions? What possible options exist to achieve sustainability in the high need block? What pathway/forums do we need to engage with? What activities are necessary to move this issue forward. Who else can support the leadership of this activity to support influence?

18. Timetable of activity June – Engagement with chairs of school HT forums. Bev Mabey, Rachel Chahal, Jane Edgerton July – Initial awareness raising at School Forum. Sept to Nov – Work with School Forum sub/technical group (share understanding of challenge and options and propose recommendations) Dec– Consultation with school forum.