Contact: Felicity Dickinson, Deputy Branch Manager, Children and Families, 01962 847996, [email protected]

1 Summary

The report seeks endorsement of the outcomes of a consultation on a revised method of distributing special educational needs (SEN) funding to mainstream primary and secondary schools. It is intended to implement the revised SEN funding formula for mainstream schools to inform schools' budgets with effect from the financial year 2006/07.

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given for the implementation of the revised SEN funding formula for mainstream schools with effect from the financial year 2006/07.

2 Reason

The decision supports the aims of the County Council's Corporate Strategy, in particular: developing the quality of life in Hampshire; and providing high quality services to the public through well trained, managed and motivated staff.

The decision also supports the five outcomes for children required by the Children Act 2004, viz. to be healthy; to stay safe; to enjoy and achieve; to make a positive contribution; and to achieve economic well-being.

The revised system will relieve schools of a significant workload freeing up time for staff to concentrate on identifying, assessing and meeting children's needs.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

The proposed SEN funding formula will redistribute the money currently delegated to mainstream schools through the SEN audit but without the need for schools to submit detailed evidence.

A full consultation was initiated in February 2005 and completed in June 2005. The results of the consultation indicated a strong preference (80%) for the revised data based system as opposed to retention of the SEN Audit. Those schools that responded also indicated a strong preference to submit evidence for physical and sensory needs at school action plus only.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

Not applicable

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

Councillor D A Kirk

Executive Member for Education