Agenda item

Vanessa Grizzle introduced the report (Agenda Item 10), which provided an outline of the Promoting Inclusive Practice Service (PIPS) (formerly Therapeutic Thinking Support Team) offer, for consideration by the Schools’ Forum to maintain de-delegation funding.

Vanessa Grizzle explained that the service provided trauma-informed, relational therapeutic support for pupils with SEMH needs, aiming to improve attendance, reduce exclusions, and enhance staff confidence. Vanessa summarised evidence from the 2024–25 school survey, which showed positive impacts on pupil well-being and staff classroom management.

It was reported that the HFG had considered four options and recommended continuing the delegated funding for a further year before reviewing progress and considering a traded model. Vanessa Grizzle reported that some concerns had been raised in the past about the service offer and these would be addressed moving forward through providing additional elements including staff well-being sessions, bookable consultations, focus groups with schools, and alignment with other services to improve early identification and transitions. Vanessa Grizzle also confirmed that monitoring would include case studies, focus groups and impact and analysis data linked to KPIs, with annual updates to the Forum. The full details on this were included in the report.

Vanessa Grizzle reported that staffing costs for 2025/26 would increase by one percent but a surplus carried forward would reduce the de-delegated amount by 33.7%, resulting in a net cost of £206,962 and £17.07 per pupil. It was noted that there was also the potential for income from academies buying back the service. Vanessa Grizzle sought approval of the HFG’s recommendation out in the report.

Rebecca Hartley stated that she was in agreement that the service should be de-delegated for a year and then reviewed but expressed concern about recruitment and asked whether schools would receive the expected level of service if recruitment proved difficult. Vanessa Grizzle responded that alignment with other services would help mitigate risks and confirmed that recruitment was progressing well, with key posts filled.

Michelle Harrison asked how costs would be covered if the team increased. Vanessa Grizzle confirmed that there would be no further charging beyond the funded amount and noted potential income from academies buying back the service.

Neil Goddard added reassurance that any unspent funds would remain within the service and highlighted the benefits of the new joined up approach. The HFG had supported the service being de-delegated for a further year. A view would be required at a later stage regarding how the service would be funded beyond this, noting that a traded model would be reconsidered in the future.

The Chair invited the Schools’ Forum to consider the recommendation to maintain de-delegated funding for PIPS for a further year. The recommendation was proposed and seconded and at the vote the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that

• The recommendation to de-delegate PIPS for a further year was approved.
• The Schools’ Forum would review progress and a traded model would be reconsidered in the future.