Agenda item

Liv Dale spoke to the report and provided an overview of the SEND Reform plan, including the submission of the final plan for DfE approval, the introduction of the Experts at Hand model to enhance mainstream inclusion, and the challenges of workforce recruitment and sustainability.

Liv noted the rising EHCP demand and cost, increased reliance on specialist provisions and the movement towards mainstream inclusion. The focus of work includes early intervention in mainstream, clearer national expectations and standards to allow equity across mainstream schools where possible and improvement of outcomes and value for money. The SEND Reforms aims to reduce costs.

Liv explained that the SEND Reform plan was submitted with cross-sector sign-off and is a precondition for accessing the High Needs Stability Grant, which could write off up to 90% of historic DSG deficits. Approval is expected by mid-September.

The SEND Reform plan focusses on two main areas, which are SEND sufficiency expansion and the Experts at Hand Model.

The Experts at Hand model aims to provide multidisciplinary support in mainstream settings, focusing on early intervention and inclusion. The model was developed in lieu of the national guidance, consequently, there may be iterations made as more information and guidance is released. Some indicative funding brackets for the budget to deliver the Experts at Hand has been given. The model prioritises direct delivery, with an aim of 90% of funding allocated to frontline support and is structured around seven localities to ensure responsiveness to local needs. Experts at Hand grant funding will likely be given to Local Authority to deliver the Experts at Hand model until the 31st of March 202. This is in line with the statutory legal changes coming in in 2029/2030.

David Warick questioned the premises sold by Leicestershire County Council. Tim stated, the standards by which councils and the building bulletins have to adhere to for schools are different for maintained schools and for independent schools. A survey was undertaken for suitability of the site for a school and cost of equipment for a special school. The conclusion was that the site was not suitable for a school. However, better use of the money was to build a brand new 252 place special school on a different site.

David Warrick wished to share on behalf of the NEU:

“The proposals in relation to the Experts at Hand offer appear to be contradictory to the guidance provided by the Government which explicitly states that the funding is to develop and deliver a new Experts at Hand offer. The proposal is to use this funding to replace existing funding. This is, therefore, not a new offer. The Government guidance states explicitly that they do not expect the EaH grant to be substituted for existing spend. The guidance goes on to say it should be used to build on and enhance existing local capacity and good practice. 

Schools’ Forum should seek further clarification from the Council on these proposals and also be aware that the Council are also removing Qualified Teaching Status from their Early Years offer.

Rather than building and enhancing good practice, the Council is dismantling in one area and substituting in another.”

Action: Foongyee to include David’s comment in Q&A and circulate feedback to Forum members.

Gratitude to working group members and engagement of colleagues was noted and thanked. Liv highlighted the iterative process that the model and work would continue to be over the next 2 years.

Suzanne questioned, that within the Expert at Hands Model, would there be difficulty in sourcing professionals and how the management of this for Leicestershire would look. Liv acknowledged that though this is a significant risk and has been highlighted to DfE. Liv noted the mixed economy which will include assistant EPs and also main pay scale EPs. There is a drive nationally to increase training, though it was identified that this would not be a quick solution. Within the next few weeks, there will be a recruitment drive and LCC are working closely with other Local Authorities to see how recruitment is managed. This is a risk that has been flagged with Department of Education. The model looks at experts in provision, providing expertise and support in a modelling approach with one-to-one children. The idea is that the skillset will then increase to support a wider cohort. The plan includes upskilling existing support staff and developing training programmes for LSAs.

Beth noted locality meetings with school and SEND leaders are happening all week to share details of the plan and take feedback that can be worked into the model. 

Jude raised concerns about the sustainability of the Experts at Hand model beyond March 2029, given the lack of guaranteed future funding. Liv noted that work is currently aligned with the DfE plan, which they have alluded to that there may be no funding past March 2029. Within that time, there shall be large amount of change, which includes LGR, where frequent discussions shall be had to review the sustainability of the programme of work. Wherever possible, sustainability is being built in and being a part of the National Change Programme offers valuable insight.

National band and tariffs shall have to be in place by 2029/2030. Further details of this have been sought, but will be raised again, so that an update to Forum can be given.

Liv noted that as part of the Expert at Hands Model, there will be 7 localities, which will have a collection of professionals and address locality needs. Vicky also noted that best learning, along with DfE guidance, has been taken forward to developed that offer to create more capacity within the system.