SEND Mainstream Funding Cluster Model

There will be clear guidelines on how to apply for funds for project-based work and what types of projects included. These projects will go beyond what is usually available in class, as explained in the Ordinarily Available Provision Guidance found on the Local Offer webpage. When requesting funding for projects, schools must show how it will benefit children. These projects may also provide support that can be used by students from multiple schools within the Cluster.

To make the process fair, there will be a standard process for referrals. This will include a "profile of need" document, which defines needs across all areas of SEND, and can be used by all schools in the city. When requesting funding for projects, schools must show how it will benefit children. These projects may also provide support that can be used by students from multiple schools within the Cluster.

Yes, education settings will be able to continue to offer their successful provisions. The Cluster Model will also provide a platform for sharing best practice with other education settings.

In other areas, SENCOs have worked together to help all children, and steps are being planned to make sure decisions are fair. Locality Leads will ensure consistency and quality in meetings across the city. These meetings will also include professionals like Educational Psychologists and members of the SEND Team to make sure everyone's opinion is heard. In some areas, schools submit funding requests on paper or anonymously, and we will think about using these methods to find the best approach for our needs.

Support for students with EHCPs will still be detailed in Section F of their plan, and the process for reviewing this support each year will stay the same.

We plan to split the Cluster funding across the three school terms. Admin support will help each Cluster track how the money is used, and Locality Leads will help manage the funds. A portion of funding will be set aside as a Contingency Funding for unexpected needs, which can be given during termly City Cluster Meetings with clear guidelines for applying.

The Cluster funding will be checked throughout the year, and the total amount will be reviewed each year to make sure it meets the city's needs.

The final decision on funding through the Cluster process will be made by a vote within the Cluster. Since this is not a legal process, there is no right to appeal. However, the EHCP process is legal, and it will continue to include appeal rights. Bringing cases to Locality Cluster meetings isn't just about funding. It's also a chance to discuss solutions with others, share ideas and resources, and get advice from professionals like Educational Psychologists, Locality Leads and SEND Team members.

A portion of the cluster funding will be set aside as Contingency Funding. This can be given out during the termly City Cluster Meetings for unexpected situations, with clear guidelines on how to apply. Schools can access funding at the half-termly Locality Cluster Meetings and termly City Cluster Meetings, as well as through the EHCP process. This offers faster and more effective options than the current system.

The process for applying and issuing EHCPs will stay the same in the Southampton City Council area. Funding for new EHCPs will be decided in Locality Cluster Meetings, making sure it's in line with Section F of the EHCP and the Costed Provision Map, which shows each pupil's needs. No extra paperwork is needed because the EHCP application already provides the necessary evidence. If there are requests for changes in EHCP funding, the local authority will review them and approved cases will go to the Locality Cluster Meeting. The reason for this change in funding is that the current system doesn't always match the support outlined in Section F, which can lead to over or under spending. EHCPs in place before the 2024-2025 school year will not be affected, and the current funding system will continue for them.