Agenda item

Neil Goddard presented the close-down report (Agenda Item 9) for the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme, thanking Hannah Geddert for her work in managing the DBV process throughout. The report outlined the progress achieved through DBV and set out the next steps and priorities to sustain and build upon this progress. The programme had ceased locally and nationally, and a fully costed Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) proposal was awaited from the Government within the year.

Neil Goddard noted that local authorities continued to struggle with high deficits in their High Needs Blocks. The vast majority of HNB funding went to schools.

Non-anticipated savings of around £500k had been delivered in year one of DBV through work around transition into reception and avoiding placements in independent schools. The £1m provided by the Government for DBV had now been spent or was still being spent on projects including SEND funding bands, ordinarily available and trauma-informed work around mental health. These projects would come to a natural end at the end of term.

Neil Goddard reported that DBV had been scrutinised heavily by elected Members, the Schools’ Forum and the Department for Education (DfE) to ensure figures around savings were as accurate as possible. He added that savings were really cost avoidance, through reducing the rate of increase in the HNB. Overall, it was felt that DBV had been valuable, providing impetus and resources for data and projects. The DfE was due to sign the DBV paperwork off and the LA would then be able to move on.

Trevor Keable sought clarification on the savings achieved compared to the funding received. Neil Goddard clarified that they have been given £1m to reduce the rate of increase against the HNB. The £500k saved in year one had not been expected. It was anticipated that approximately £30 million would be saved by year five. Trevor Keable queried section 7.3 of the report which stated that to maintain momentum, it was essential that work continued to be strategically supported. Neil Goddard referred to the SEND Strategy and action plan that sat underneath this, which was very detailed and would drive work forward. The action plan was overseen by the SEND Improvement Group. Work included a recent review of the Fairer Access Panel, and a budget would be allocated to this panel going forward to support this work. Neil Goddard stated that whilst there was not new money, money was being spent differently. It was hoped the momentum would continue.

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum noted the report.