Agenda item

Paul Wilson presented a short paper on SEN Commissioned Places 2015-16.  This included numbers of top ups. It was noted that the data used for the spreadsheet is sourced from DfE.  There was some discussion about the accuracy of the figures and Nandita Sirker agreed to check. It was noted that Post 16 places are not funded from the DSG but direct from the EFA.

Paul drew attention to paragraph 3.13 which shows a potential forecast increase in primary of 6% and in secondary of 4% for 2016-2017.

Nandita Sirker suggested looking into more recent data in more detail. She suggested that a comparison between the figures in the report and work carried out recently by Alex Bowman would be a useful exercise; this information could then be circulated to the Schools’ Forum.  Nandita noted that there should be an annual review of places. It was agreed that a report would come to the Schools Forum in the autumn with updated figures.  Philip Gregory asked that nursery places be included in future.

Nandita Sirker explained that both she and Paul Wilson are interims with SBC and will eventually leave SBC and, in the medium term, they are looking to recruit permanent members of staff to replace them. Whilst the quality of staff is high, Schools Forum expressed concern about the lack of continuity in staffing and the impact this has. Forum welcomed the plans to replace on a permanent basis.  It was agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair would write to SBC to express this.