Agenda item

NB This was originally set as Agenda Item 5 but it was discussed and agreed in the meeting to move Item 6 to 4 so this subsequently became agenda item 6

Renata Chantrill talked through the paper which outlined the proposal to consult with schools on transitioning to a banded model for EHCP funding.

Summary of EHCP Banding Model Consultation Update:

• The consultation aims to engage schools on the proposed shift from the current funded hours model to a needs-led banding model for EHCP funding in Leicestershire.
• There is no national standard for EHCP banding; the proposed model is locally developed through the Change Programme partnership, with colleagues across Leicester City and Rutland.
• The model uses needs descriptors to assign funding bands and has been co-produced with Leicestershire schools to reflect local support needs.
• Initial soft testing with schools yielded positive feedback, prompting a wider consultation.
• The consultation is split into two stages:
1. Stage 1 (launched today) – Six-week consultation on proposed needs descriptors and banding approach (ending mid-October).
2. Stage 2 (late autumn to early spring) – Consultation on funding allocations for each band. Proposed to run across the winter and into early spring.

• This phased approach allows us to fully consider the needs descriptors and what the proposed funding attached to each banding may look like.
• A survey will be distributed via the Headteacher Briefing and discussed in meetings over the next six weeks.
• Feedback will focus on clarity, practicality, and overall support for transitioning to the new model.
• A report will be presented to the Schools Forum in November summarising initial consultation findings and outlining next steps in terms of whether we progress to the second stage.

Carolyn Shoyer raised her concerns about the proposed approach to banded funding for EHCPs. She clarified that local authorities are not legally required to specify funding the Education Healthcare Plans, only to ensure the provision outlined is funded. She argued that children with EHCPs often have highly complex and individual needs that may not be adequately captured by a banded funding approach. Carolyn expressed further concern that the shift could leave children at risk if the funding bands do not align with their actual needs and could lead to increased conflict with parents and carers who may feel their child’s provision is not appropriately funded or is misrepresented.

Phil Lewin noted the current challenges schools face when dealing with parental requests for increased EHCP funding. The existing approach of “funded hours” often makes conversations with parents difficult when trying to explain support levels.

Even when schools aim to be inclusive, parents are increasingly bypassing the school and going directly to the Local Authority to request EHCPs. Phil questioned whether the proposed banded funding system would help reduce these challenges or if parents would continue to challenge funding decisions directly with the local authority.

Renata clarified that the proposed banded funding model for EHCPs would not change the way that children's needs are currently assessed, these will still be assessed individually, as they are now. Instead of assigning a notional number of support hours, funding will be linked to a band that reflects the child’s assessed needs. This approach will mean that Schools will receive a pot of funding without rigid hour allocations, allowing them to use it more flexibly to meet the child’s needs.

Dr Jude Mellor expressed her gratitude for this approach finally being looked at, it is something that secondary school headteachers as a group have been asking for. She acknowledged that it will be a difficult process but genuinely believes it will help schools to be in a better place to collectively support parents of children who have an EHCP.

Tim Browne noted that in discussions with schools, it appears they are in favour of this approach and the flexibility it provides them when looking at how to best meet the needs of their children and young people.

Martin Towers questioned whether the proposal includes plans to measure the financial impacts on schools that currently have lots of EHCPs, to assess whether the move from funded hours to banded funding will be financially beneficial or not.

Renata advised that the financial modelling of the proposed banding system will be looked at as part of stage 2 of the consultation. Schools will be able to evaluate whether this move will be beneficial or detrimental to them individually. The overall goal is for the transition to be cost-neutral, meaning some EHCP’s may receive slightly more funding, and some slightly less than before, in order to align with the new funding bands proposed. The second stage of the consultation will explore how to manage any financial impacts to ensure the approach is fair and well understood.

Pete Leatherland expressed his agreement with Dr Jude Mellor that the proposed approach is one that many schools have been asking for and is a great idea.

The LA made the following recommendation:

Schools’ Forum is asked to

2a. Note the proposed consultation and timeline.

2b. Provide feedback on the proposed banded model and consultation approach.

2c. Support the engagement of schools in the consultation process.

There were no further questions or comments from members on this report.