Agenda item

Vikram Hansrani explained that the Banding working group had been carrying out detailed work since March 2018. This small group of LA officers and school leaders from across all educational sectors had been working on a revised SEND banding model which contained 5 band descriptors, based on the model established by Essex County Council. Final proposals would be presented to Schools Forum in December 2018 and consultation with educational settings and parent/carers on the proposed new banding model would take place in January 2019.  In addition, there would be supporting coffee mornings with parent/carers. The new banding model would be implemented with effect from April 2019 for new assessment requests and phase transfers. In addition, the working group was due to meet in November to look at the financial impact of the banding model, to ensure money was spent effectively.

There had previously been a lack of LA support for Resource bases, with incorrect information posted on school websites.  This situation had been addressed and work was ongoing to ensure Banding and Resource base contracts were in place and that spaces were being used correctly. 

The Resource Base working group had met on a number of occasions during the spring and summer terms and a Resource Base event had been held in September (co-hosted by Slough Borough Council and Special Voices, Slough Parent/Carer Forum). Meetings were taking place with individual schools regarding numbers, categories of need and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

9.15am: Carol Pearce left the meeting

Consideration had been given to how the LA would review, address and monitor outcomes going forward and it was planned an appointment would be made to carry out that role.

It was pointed out that as there was no staggered approach to changing the funding model, special schools would face a number of financial challenges. The banding followed the child, but there was insufficient funding to support the infrastructure of special schools.  It was acknowledged there was an awareness of some possible risks around funding although it was felt these would be covered and children entering any provision would be those with the most identified need and banding levels would be appropriate.  It was felt that the banding group should ensure the funds followed the child, as the banding would be specific to the child, not for the running of the school. It was felt there would be financial risks attached to those assessed from April 2019 onwards.

Vikram Hansrani confirmed that the SLA contracts would be ready by the end of October.  A member pointed out that the end of October fell in half term so the contracts would not actually be available before November. It was confirmed that with effect from April 2019 any new statutory assessment for a child would go through the new banding, those already in the system would remain on the old system until they reached a transition stage ie. Nursery to Primary, Year 6 to Year 7.  It would not have been possible to reband approximately 1,400 children, hence the need to roll out the new system.  This methodology had been included in discussions about the introduction of the new assessments.

It was pointed out that there were historical inequities between special schools which should also be taken into account. Although the work and transparency of the LA was appreciated, special schools would experience a considerable financial loss over a number of years. It was added that, with the current pressure on school budgets, along with consultation of 15 October 2018, schools would not necessarily be aware of the SEN funding, there could be a small number of schools experiencing funding issues.  Vikram Hansrani explained such a situation could be handled by LA finance colleagues but there would not be sufficient time to supply the funding information for the 5-16 consultation.  It was suggested that, when published, reference was drawn to the fact that there were two separate consultations.