Agenda item

Jane Seymour introduced the report, which reported on the impact of Covid-19 on the High Needs Block (HNB).

Jane Seymour reported that it was very difficult to quantify the impact of Covid-19 on the HNB. There had been a significant increase in requests for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) however there had been a rising trend in this area anyway. It was likely that Covid could have caused children to fall further behind. Jane Seymour reported that the upward trajectory in this area needed to be carefully monitored and more detailed analysis undertaken to see how the increase related to Covid.

There was anecdotal evidence that the level of demand relating to EBSA was increasing and although this was a significant issue prior to Covid it was likely to have increased difficulties for children already dealing with anxiety issues around attendance due the large period of time out of school.

Jane Seymour concluded that it was not possible to be more specific about or quantify the impact of Covid on the HNB at that time.

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum noted the report.