Decision details
Budget Proposals for the 2022-23 High Needs Block Element of the Schools Budget
Decision Maker: Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
To seek agreement to setting the 2022-23 High
Needs Block element of the Schools Budget and other associated
financial matters.
Decision:
1. That the High Needs Block budget be set at £28.907m, with a commitment to the presentation of an ambitious medium term (5 year) plan to the Schools Forum in November 2022, setting out options to balance annual expenditure to annual income. This plan should:
a. Include a significant increase in local, effective provision within Bracknell Forest; and,
b. be designed to meet the needs of children and young people in a more cost effective and efficient way.
2. That £0.210m of funds from the SEND Units Reserve be released to finance ongoing diseconomy costs at the new Special Resource Provisions with the commitment to providing:
a. Clear data about the uptake of places at SRPs and progress towards meeting Key Performance Indicators; and,
b. A strategic approach to the transition of children from Primary SRPs to secondary education, in place from September 2023.
3. That the changes set out in the supporting information at Table 1 and Annex 2 of Appendix 1 be confirmed subject to the commitment outlined above.
4. That relevant budgets be confirmed to those summarised in Annex 3, Appendix 1.
Reasons for the decision:
To ensure that the Schools Budget is set taking account of the views of the Executive, schools, the Schools Forum and the statutory funding framework.
Alternative options considered:
The proposals reflect the actions contained in the SEND Commissioning Strategy.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None.
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: Within anticipated resources
Declarations: None.
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: People.
Other reasons / organisations consulted
Consultation documents, written
reports
Consultees
People Directorate Management Team and the
Schools Forum
Contact: Paul Clark, Finance Business Partner Email: paul.clark@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 354054.
Publication date: 01/04/2022
Date of decision: 30/03/2022
Effective from: 09/04/2022
Accompanying Documents: