Agenda item

Jane Seymour introduced the report, which sought agreement for the proposed banding system for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who were placed in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).

Jane Seymour reported that historically there had always been some children with EHCPs who attended PRUs, usually on a short term placement pending an alternative placement. The number of children with EHCPs attending PRUs was increasing and some children were staying with PRU placements on a longer term basis and Jane Seymour explained that this was something that was intentional.

The first band was SEMH1 and this band had no additional funding attached. Two bands were being proposed and these were bands SEMH 1 and 2 and they would have higher levels of funding attached and would be for children with more complex needs.

David Ramsden recalled suggesting at the Heads Funding Group that the bands be kept under review overtime, to ensure they system did not become top heavy. This would need revisiting at a later stage.

Rev. Mark Bennet was concerned that placing children in categories would move away from a system that considered individual needs. Jane Seymour reassured members of the Forum that every child would receive an in depth assessment for an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP). The aim of the banding system was to provide accuracy and transparency when additional funding was awarded.

Keith Harvey proposed that the Schools’ Forum approve the proposed banding system set out in section 5 of the report and this was seconded by Charlotte Wilson. At the vote the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that:

·         The Schools’ Forum agreed the proposed banding system set out in section 5 of the report.

·         The banding system be reviewed overtime and to be brought back to the Schools’ Forum at later stage.