Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Education Excellence.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Education in relation to the financial position of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block Budget; actions to address ongoing in-year pressures; and longer-term sufficiency plans to meet increasing demand for specialist places, to improve processes and governance and balance the budget.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Councillor J. J. Kelly extended his appreciation to all Officers and the Schools Forum for all their hard work.         

Decision Made:      That:

(1)              the latest High Needs forecast, be noted; and

(2)              the ongoing work to provide sufficiency of places over the medium term and bring the budget into a balanced position, be noted.

Reasons for the Decisions:

To ensure Cabinet are informed of the forecast outturn position for the 2020/21 High Needs Budget. 

To keep members informed of the progress of the sufficiency and improvement plan which aims to provide placements in Sefton for all children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.