Please note that at the meeting on 19 June 2024, Devon Education Forum agreed to stand down the High Needs Funding Sub Group. High Needs funding will continue to be considered as a standing agenda item at the Schools Finance Group.
Aims to provide a structured forum for leaders from schools, early years, and post-16 settings to work in partnership with the Local Authority to monitor the position of High Needs Funding spend, offer advice and make recommendations to Devon Education Forum (DEF) regarding the use of High Needs Funding.
Objectives of High Needs Funding Sub Group
Devon Education Forum members will have greater opportunity to take a proactive role in High Needs Budget decision-making by:
- ensuring that High Needs Funding is allocated appropriately to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people with SEND, receiving value for money of the High Needs Block
- taking a proactive role in implementation of the DSG management plan, subject to the DfE’s Safety Valve intervention programme, and fulfilling the goals set out by that programme, to urgently resolve Devon’s overspend issues and make the high needs system sustainable
- being involved in the meaningful transformation of Devon’s SEND offer at a pace, keeping the focus firmly on outcomes for children, young people, and families
- stepping up partnership working between Devon Local Authority and leaders from early years, schools and post-16 settings making best use of their experience and insights
- providing greater transparency in decision-making and the use of High Needs Funding