Agenda item

Nicola Ponton introduced the report (Agenda Item 11), which provided information on the proposed 2025-26 High Needs Block (HNB) budget.

Nicola Ponton explained that the report had been updated from the one presented in December, with most of the details remaining unchanged. It was highlighted that the numbers had been adjusted to reflect placements made during that time. Also, following feedback from the Heads Funding Group, they had been looking at increasing places at some of the specialist provision in the area. Nicola Ponton had met with Jon Hewitt, the Headteacher at the Castle at Theale, who had agreed to extend the provision and provide an additional six places. She highlighted that this extension had a cost impact, which was reflected in the report.

RESOLVED that the Schools’ Forum noted the report. </AI10>