Agenda item

Jane Seymour presented the report on the High Needs Budget Proposals 2015/16 (excluding PRUs), which is currently estimated to be £1,931k over the expected funding to be received in 2015/16 (excluding any carry forward from 2014/15).

This report covered the budget 2014/15, forecast 2014/15 and proposed budget 2015/16 for the current positions for mainstream schools, resource units, special schools, non maintained and independent special schools, Further Education (FE) colleges, Language and Literacy Centres, Specialist Inclusion Service, ABA & Other Educational Programmes, SEN Pre-School, Special Needs Support Team, Sensory Impairment, Equipment for SEN Pupils, ASD Advisory Service, Early Intervention, SEN Inclusion.

The budget 2015/16 for Academy Resources Units includes the new ASD resource planned to open in September 2015. The increase in Special Schools top up funding includes the additional places requested at The Castle and Brookfields and a general trend towards more complex needs pupils at higher bands but this is more cost effective than specialist providers out of county.   

Increases in the Non WBC Special School top up funding is due to a general increase in ASD diagnosis and the WBC ASD Resources Units are full.

Costs to reduce placements in Non Maintained and Independent Special Schools were effective in 2014/15 however need is predicted to rise again in 2015/16 due to families moving into the area with named independent schools on their child’s statement and rises in BESD and ASD diagnosis and tribunals.   

These budgets will be part of the review of the budgets funded through the High Needs Block of the DSG.

ACTION: Budget estimates to be reviewed to ensure not overstating costs. Need impact analysis against each service. HFG to make proposals at the next meeting.

Action

J Seymour & HFG