Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the High Needs Block update report.

The Forum considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 45 to 50, which provided an update on the 2019/20 High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Budget together with a deficit recovery action plan.

The report stated that figures previously reported to the Forum forecast a year-end deficit of £2.75m for the High Needs Block. Despite significant planned investment in new capacity indications were that the deficit would continue to increase over coming years based on projections of children and young people requiring Education, Health and Care Plans and special and high needs support.  

Lynne Samuel reported that a meeting with the DfE had been arranged for 4 February 2020. The meeting would discuss the deficit recovery plan and the proposed next steps.

In the ensuing discussion, Forum members made the following points:

·           It would be useful for the Forum to receive improved background information on High Needs funding as a basis for a more informed discussion on future strategies.

·           It was suggested that discussions take place between now and an update report to the Forum in March 2020.

·           There was general concern about operational processes and issues under the SEND service.

RESOLVED That:

1)     the High Needs Block update report be noted;

2)     a further report be submitted to the March 2020 meeting of the Forum setting out the key strategic challenges involved in developing a sustainable financial model for the service following the February meeting with the DfE;

3)     Jim Leivers discuss the operational concerns relating to the SEND service with Sal Thirlway.