Meeting documents

ITEM EX8

EXECUTIVE – 11 DECEMBER 2001

SPECIAL SCHOOL PLANNED PLACES 2002/03

Report by the Chief Education Officer

1. Each year headteachers of all Special Schools are asked to list current pupils by funding band (reflecting different assessed levels of need) and to provide estimates of likely numbers joining or leaving the school by September in the following year. This information is then checked, as far as is practicable, and collated. Discussions take place between officers and heads to try to agree likely numbers and agree banding. There follows a written consultation with heads and governors before formal confirmation of Planned Places for the following year. This largely determines Special School funding.

Planned Places for 2002/03

2. All heads have been consulted informally on proposed Planned Places and pupil banding for the financial year 2002/03. This has resulted in informal agreement in almost all cases, and governors have now been consulted on formal proposals. These are attached at Annex 1(download as rtf.file). An oral report of governors’ responses will be made if any amendments are suggested by them.
3. It will be noted that the proposals for 2002/03 show a slight reduction in planned places overall but the continuation of a shift from Bands 3 and 4 to Band 5 (the children with greatest need). The small reduction in Planned Places may reflect national and local policies on the inclusion of children in mainstream schools. This is particularly the case for children with moderate learning difficulties. However, the increase in the number of pupils with a high level of need, as reflected in the increase in Band 5 pupils, may result from greater survival rates and an increase in particular forms of special educational needs. For example, there appears to be an increase in the number of children with severe learning difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This reflects apparent national and international trends. Naturally, the majority of children with ASD are educated in mainstream schools. Only those with severe learning difficulties are likely to be in special schools.

Financial Implications

4. The proposals at Annex 1 would lead to an increase in expenditure of £7,450, which will be reflected in the Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan report to be presented initially to the Learning & Culture Scrutiny Committee on 18 December 2001.

Environmental Implications

5. A minor reduction in special school places might result in a marginal reduction in transport requirements and so have a beneficial effect on the environment.

RECOMMENDATION

6. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to agree the proposals set out in Annex 1 subject to any oral report reflecting responses to consultation with governors.

Contact Officer: Simon Adams, Senior Education Officer Tel 01865 81060

December 2001