Agenda item

Jane Moore presented a report that provides an update on the Transforming SEND and Inclusion in Leicestershire (TSIL) programme. The report details the work taking place so far within programme and references other work being undertaken within the service. There is a disproportionate number of pupils with EHCPs in Leicestershire compared to similar authorities. Spend on placements alone exceed the total funding received through the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant.

Through 2023, TSIL moved into the implementation phase of implementing identified changes. The level of service within SENA was not able to meet the levels of demand. The service has undertaken a reset, including restructuring, and has projected the level of provisional growth needed to deal with the level of demand. This has resulted in SENA receiving additional funding, as well as dedicated teams for assessments, placements, and reviews. The intention is to improve productivity and timelines and the LA is optimistic of the amended model.

Simon Grindrod has asked what measures are being used to monitor improvements through TSIL and what the timescales are for impending changes. Jane Moore noted that team managers are better equipped to use data to manage their teams; as per Paragraph 30, managers can review weekly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure strong oversight of performance. Paragraph 26 of the report has detailed additional resources to allow SENA to have more meaningful conversations with parents. Jane will provide a suite of performance indicators of SEN performance to future forums.

Rosalind Hopkins has questioned whether there is any early evidence to suggest that the TSIL programme’s impact is offering value for money. KPIs mentioned in Paragraph 30 does not offer quantifiable results. Rosalind expressed concern that TSIL is not having the required impact and value for money. Jane Moore noted that that investment is mapped across the totality of the programme and that the LA predicted that the investment would not be recouped in savings during the programme’s first year. The LA is still confident that it will achieve outcomes as the paper taken to Cabinet sets out reductions in cost. KPIs may not clearly evidence outcomes and experience within the first year of TSIL but the LA expects these impacts to be forthcoming throughout the programme.

The metrics used will be brought to future forum meetings by Jane Moore as the measures for inclusion and publication to schools would be useful to schools’ information.

The Inclusion Practice Toolkit should rely less on anecdotal evidence to determine how it has been received by schools. The forum has recommended that a survey be completed for schools. Jane Moore agreed that more work is needed to gain a more in-depth view of what is working.

Simon Grindrod has questioned what the improvements to service will be to overcome regular problems. Simon has raised concerns regarding continued issues and delays in EHCP funding. EHCP funding is for fixed hourly rates despite the rising cost of provision due to inflation. Simon has also raised concerns regarding the delays in funding for EHCPs caused by the LA rejecting an EHCP application, only to accept the application before it is heard at appeal; the cost of this delay is subsidised by the school.

Jane Moore provided assurances that TSIL is looking at how the LA funds EHCPs to allow schools to fund on needs rather than funding on hours. Whilst in a position where LA is funding on hours, this will remain an issue as the LA has no powers to rectify. This is something the LA is working on with schools to resolve and to relieve pressure.

Jane Moore also provided assurances regarding EHCPs that decisions are made on the information provided and what is believed to be right for the child. When rejections are turned to approvals, this is for the better interest of the child and school to not go through the lengthy process of the tribunal. Whilst the tribunal overrules many EHCP decisions made by the LA, it doesn’t change the LA perspective that an EHCP was not required. However, Simon Grindrod suggested that the change in the LA’s decision comes too late, resulting in the school subsidising costs throughout the process.

Regarding the 2024-25 Schools’ Budget, Beverley Coltman queried the report which stated that funding rates for 2-year-olds increased by £1.68 but the actual figure shows a £0.60 decrease against 2023-24 rates. This was clarified after the meeting by the following:

The DfE introduced a new funding formula to pay Local Authorities for 2-year-olds in 2024-25, as the funded hours would no longer just be covering disadvantaged children. The new hourly rate for Leicestershire providers is lower than the hourly rate received in 2023-24, which included the one-off Supplementary Grant. For 2024-25, providers will also be able to access Disability Access funding and Early Years Pupil Premium for two years olds which they were unable to before.