Meeting SEND needs and managing the pressure on the High Needs Block

June 17, 2025 Approved View on council website
Full council record
Content

1.   
Approved the additional investment in mainstream
primary, infant and junior schools from September 2025 as set out
in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.13 in order to
support pupils with SEND who meet the threshold for a specialist
school place but due to capacity issues cannot be placed in such a
setting;

2.   
Noted the increase in the high needs funding rates
to The City of Portsmouth College for 2024/25 and 2025/26 in
respect of post 16 students with SEND and the methodology used as
set out in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.15;

3.   
Noted the reduction in Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)
surplus balance from £11.5m to £11.1m before approved
commitments;

4.   
Noted there is considerable uncertainty within the
DSG forecast for 2025/26 and that a revised budget will be prepared
for the Schools Forum meeting on 8th October 2025 which
will incorporate the changes set out in this report and any further
changes endorsed by Schools Forum in July;

5.   
Noted that the significant growth in the number of
children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in
Portsmouth means that the High Needs Block of the DSG will continue
to come under pressure, and that a transfer of funding between the
Schools Block and the HNB is likely to be required within the next
two years.
 

Supporting Documents

Meeting SEND needs and managing the pressure on the High Needs Block.pdf

Details

OutcomeRecommendations Approved
Decision date17 Jun 2025