Agenda item

Expenditure on Education out of school / independent and special schools

To receive and consider a report outlining the expenditure on education out of school, in independent schools and in special schools.

Minutes:

The Forum considered a report regarding expenditure on education out of school, independent and special schools.

 

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

 

·           Following a previous request from the Forum, Officers clarified the sequence of events which had led to the current identified over commitment in the High Needs Block.  This had arisen from independent special school placements.

·           The report identified report trends over the last three years in Independent Special School placements.  A decrease in the number of placements in 2015-16 had disguised the impact of an increase in average unit cost.  An increase in the number of places in 2016-17 coupled with those costs had had a major impact on this year’s commitments. 

·           Hawa Bedwa explained that £6.1m had been projected for the High Needs Block allocations for the 2017/18 budget.  The proposed budget for this area at the start of the year had been £5.2m based on the number of placements.  However, the number of placements had since increased from 109 to 111.  In addition there had also been recategorisation of some individual children’s needs.

·           The Forum was informed that the actual spend for this area was likely to be £6.4m by the end of the financial year although it was hoped that this could be reduced to £6.1m. 

·           In response to concerns from the Forum, Hawa Bedwa commented that the original projection of £5.2m had been conservative.

·           In response to a question Alan Stubbersfield indicated that the number of children and young people with high level needs was likely to increase.  However, a number of those currently in placements were due to leave over the next few years.

·           Ginny Rhodes questioned how the High Needs block was funded.  Alan Stubbersfield commented that it was originally funded by census and would now be funded by precedent going forwards.

·           Additional information regarding the SEN process, current placements and the projected number of children placed 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 was circulated at the meeting.  The Chairman thanked Officers for the detailed information provided.

·           Jay Blundell questioned the inclusion of Just Around the Corner as a placement provider as it was not a Department of Education registered provider.  Officers were asked to clarify this issue.

·           Jay Blundell expressed concern that there was an apparent reduction in allocation on the PRU line of the High Needs Block funding of £10,000.  She commented that Foundry College should have 47 places but currently had 55 and that need for the provision offered was increasing.  Officers indicated that a detailed analysis would be undertaken of the cost centres relevant to Foundry College.

·         The Forum questioned how the decision was taken over where a child was placed.  Officers were asked to clarify this process.  The Forum noted that the cost of a placement at St Joseph’s for one child with severe learning difficulties was £255,000.  The Forum was advised that higher cost placements tended to be residential.  Placement availability and parental preference were also factors in where a child was placed.  Officers would be undertaking a further collaborating exercise for High Needs Block pressures with neighbouring Councils to ensure value for money was being achieved for the identified current average cost per placement.  If possible joint efforts to achieve benefits through economies of scale would be implemented. 

·           Helen Ball questioned whether there was sufficient support within the legal team to manage SEN tribunals and was informed that there was. 

·           With regards to SEN transport Gail Prewett questioned whether there were any instances where transport was funded and families also received Disability Living Allowance to cover transport costs.  Officers were asked to clarify this issue.

·           The Chairman questioned what would happen should a SEN Tribunal decision be made and sufficient funds be unavailable and was informed that a conversation would need to be had with the Council’s Chief Finance Officer and the Department for Education.

 

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Supporting documents: