This report seeks Cabinet approval to transfer responsibility for Resource Bases currently managed by Oxfordshire County Council’s Special Educational Needs Support Service (SENSS) to host schools. The proposal forms part of wider SEND reform and Target Operating Model (TOM) work to create a sustainable, equitable and school-led model of specialist provision. Resource Bases provide specialist support to children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), including those with communication and interaction needs, physical disabilities, and hearing impairments. The proposed changes will align delivery and funding arrangements with established Resource Base models, ensuring greater consistency across the system while strengthening accountability and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: - Revenue Expenditure > £1m;
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 02/07/2026
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt -
Explanation of anticipated restriction:
The public should be excluded during consideration of specific Annexes because its discussion in public would be likely to lead to the disclosure to members of the public present of information in the following category prescribed by Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:
4. Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.
Since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, disclosure would distort the proper process of free negotiations between the authority with another party for the purposes described and would prejudice the position of the authority in those negotiations and other negotiations of a similar nature in f
Decision due: 15 Sep 2026 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
Lead director: Director of Children's Services
Contact: Naomi Thapar, Transformation Project Manager - Education and Inclusion Email: Naomi.Thapar@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Consultation process
SENDISS Service Managers have supported the writing of the proposal. Before the transfer, the following consultation will also happen:
• A collective consultation with all affected staff, covering proposed changes to roles, pay, and any potential redundancies, alongside the transfer process
• Ongoing engagement with trade unions throughout the consultation and implementation period
• Structured engagement with host schools to test and refine the proposed operating model
• Development of detailed timelines and a comprehensive communication plan aligned to key programme milestones
Consultees
• Resource Base staff affected by the proposed changes (including those at risk)
• Relevant trade unions
• Host schools and headteachers
• SENSS service managers and advisory teams
• Internal stakeholders including HR, Finance, Legal and Equalities teams
Plan Reference: 26/162