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:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk