To receive a report from Saverio Della Rocca, Strategic Director – Resources, RCC (ITEM FOR DISCUSSION)

(20 MINUTES)

A report was received from Saverio Della Rocca, Strategic Director for Resources and Kevin Quinn, Service Manager, Early Intervention, SEND and Inclusion and presented by Andrew Merry.  During the discussion the following points were noted:

i.      The DfE template for the recovery plan has been received.  The completed template will be submitted to Schools’ Forum for discussion and approval. 

ii.    A very productive meeting was held with School Heads on the 29^th March 2019, the summary of which was:

• That, in principle, children with SEND should be supported as far as is possible and appropriate within the least restrictive education environment.
• That the current funding and support interventions for children with SEND in Rutland were not appropriately distributed.
• That additional support and funding was needed earlier in the education system with investment in different types of support within and across mainstream schools.
• That the existing financial framework for schools and the use of ‘top ups’ for children with EHCPs within mainstream school does not best serve schools in  helping meet need and as such require review.
• To plan a number of intervention models to be presented to schools (as per recovery plan actions) which could be costed in order to demonstrate the potential impact on the high needs budget if implemented.
• To progress the nurture pilot proposal as outlined, with a view to presenting a business case for school approval.
• To undertake a financial review which includes exploring set funding models for schools to work together in order to maximise value for money of specialist interventions, this could potentially cross phases to support transition between settings.
• To research and cost a small pilot project providing specialist education support across a school partnership.
• To complete the review of DSPs and recommissioning of this provision.

iii.   Kevin and Andrew worked closely at a 5 year budget projection which confirms the anticipated future pressure and which can be used to model potential solutions through investment i.e. the impact a new approach could have on future expenditure within high needs.

iv.   Looking at employing a specialist teacher consultant (as yet to be identified) to work with schools and the Local Authority regarding inclusion in schools and the types of support and provision schools require.  Timescales need to be finalised. Active SENCO group already established amongst schools and could feed in to the specialist teacher.  It was agreed that further details with timescales where possible should be distributed to all head teachers.

ACTION: Andrew Merry, Kevin Quinn, Gill Curtis

v.    Andrew reported that the Uppingham Community College Project would not result in using the full capital budget.  

AGREED

a.    The Schools’ Forum noted the requirements of the Recovery Plan (1.6)

b.    The Schools’ Forum noted that a draft Recovery Plan would need to be discussed in June and may need to be formally submitted to the DfE (1.12)

c.    The Schools’ Forum noted the outcome of various meeting in 1.20 above and the full meeting record in Appendix 2.

d.    The Schools’ Forum approved the pilot providing specialist education support across a school partnership.