Agenda and draft minutes

    42.1   It was confirmed the meeting was quorate, recognising the apologies below.

           Peter Hughes

           Joanna Sanchez - (Paul Barber attended as a substitute)

           Helen Key- (Sara Marshallsay attended as a substitute)

           Debra Vice Holt – (No longer governor)

43.1  The minutes for the meeting held were agreed as a true record and will be signed by the Chair.

44.1    Matters arising - none

44.2    Declaration of interest -none

45.1 Recommendations:

Recommendations were made in relation to the High Needs Funding, the LA’s current forecast financial position and the request for an inter block transfer from the Schools Block.

45.2   Comments:

It was asked what the spend of the INMS is for East Sussex and what is the percentage of that spend compared to the high needs budget overall? -  We spend over a quarter of high needs budget (£22m) on around 500 children.

Is there a strategy to either bring children back into mainstream education or prevent further movement to independent schools?

Our approach is on exploring a range of strategies aimed at reducing the demand for independent school places. There are multiple challenging factors, including a high number of independent special schools, with visible availability that is contributing to increased demand.

Efforts are being made to boost parental confidence in mainstream schools. There are plans to expand facilities within mainstream schools to provide a more specialised offer for children and young people.

A query was raised as to what communication will be cascaded to schools regarding this matter. We will further consider how we disseminate information in relation to the High Needs Block.

The question regarding why funds are not being taken from the early year's budget was raised. The matter is still under consideration. There has been an increase in the offer for disadvantaged 2-year-olds, but the impact of the regulatory changes and the uptake of the offer are still unclear. If there is any remaining balance at the end of the year, it may be necessary to utilise that budget.

A point was raised regarding when the money will be returned to schools if the settlement is favourable. It was clarified that the HNB settlement will be clear in April 2025.

A letter from headteachers representing from several maintained secondary schools was shared.

A question was raised about whether the issues related to SEND provision are being looked at nationally. It was mentioned that the new government aims to support inclusion in mainstream schools to help manage demand. Additionally, the Change Programme is expected to influence policy moving forward.

Members were requested to vote and approve the High Needs Block interblock transfer request. Results as below:

Meeting concluded at 09:17

Next meeting – To be held Friday 10^th January