Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 21, 2025

Purpose: To update Cabinet on the revised High Needs Block sustainability plan, submitted to the Department for Education in December and set it in the context of the School's Block Transfer.

Content: Resolved:   1.    That Cabinet endorse the draft revised plan submitted to the DfE in December, including the new timeline and the interventions set out within it.   That Cabinet approve:   2.    The Corporate Director for Children and Education, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members, to seek agreement for the revised plan from the Department for Education.   3.    An adjustment to the Plan which was submitted to the DfE in January 2024, and revised in December 2024, to request a block transfer of the maximum amount that can be transferred without impacting school budgets (estimated at 0.24%)     Reason for Decision: Delivery of the SEND Sustainability Plan is vital to removing the DSG deficit, and related financial risk, from the council and bringing DSG into an in year balance position. Having a realistic plan, over seven years, enables the authority to do this is a structured way that does not compromise on the quality of support given to children and young people with SEND.   Delivery of the plan relies on schools and headteachers working effectively with the local authority and continuing to build a more sustainable system. Given the strength of feeling over the School’s Block transfer, and the uncertainty about whether a request for a 1% transfer would be granted by the Secretary of State without Schools Forum approval, it is felt that maintaining the relationships with schools is paramount and a change required to that assumed and included previously.