Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services and Corporate Director of Resources which provided an update on spend and pressures on the High Needs Block (HNB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) which supports Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion support services for children and young people. 

The report provided an update on key work areas and planned next steps alongside support to learning providers and families and recovery planning as a result of the coronavirus outbreak (for copy see file of minutes).

Cabinet welcomed the additional funding from government into the High Needs Block for 2020-2021 although challenges remain in the resources available for work to support children with special educational needs disabilities and those requiring alternative education arrangements.  The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor O Gunn, stated she would, with the support of the schools forum, request the Secretary of State to consider support for SEND services as a matter of urgency, to enable the growing needs of children and young people to be met.

Cabinet welcomed the progress outlined in the report and the plan to seek to reduce the deficit built up to date, which should be kept under regular review, particularly in light of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the most vulnerable children. 

Councillor Napier, Deputy Leader, urged the government to consider a sustainable funding settlement as part of the upcoming spending round for local government.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.