Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children and Family Services regarding the outcome of consultation on a proposed funding transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and the creation of a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Investment Fund. A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda Item 9’, is filed with these minutes.

Mrs Taylor CC accepted the schools’ feedback was valid but noted that the Council’s financial position left it with little option but to pursue the transfer with the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the outcome of consultation on the proposed funding transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block of the DSG and the establishment of a SEND Investment Fund be noted;

b)    That the decision of the Schools Forum to refuse the funding transfer be noted;

c)    That the Director of Children and Family Services be authorised to seek permission from the Secretary of State to allow the proposed transfer.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

To note the views of consultees and the decision of the Schools Forum.

The delegation to the Director will enable permission to disapply the restrictions on transfers between blocks to be sought from the Secretary of State within the specified timeline which, together with the establishment of SEND Investment Fund, would enable SEND capacity to be built in mainstream schools and reduce demand for specialist school places.