Decision details

To consider the report of the Senior Manager Children and Young People Strategic Commissioning, Education and Inclusion seeking approval for the adoption of the new Special Schools, Units and Pupil Referral Units funding formula.  The Department for Education has announced that from 2013-14 financial year Local Authorities must implement a new system for High Needs Pupils, including those educated within Special Schools, Units attached to Maintained Schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRU).  All Special Schools and the PRU have been consulted on the proposed changes to the formula.

To approve the implementation of the new Southampton funding formula for special schools, special units and the Pupil Referral Unit with effect from 1 April 2013.

The Department for Education has introduced new regulations to introduce school funding reform from April 2013.  These require local authorities to develop a new funding formula for special schools, special units and PRUs to be funded from the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant.

All funding options were taken to the Schools Forum and a working group of head teachers and officers was set up.  A number of different options were modelled and various alternatives were considered.  Whilst these proposals are based on the recommendations of the Schools Forum, the final decision on the new funding formula lies with the Local Authority.