We are looking for school representatives to take part in 'Implementing the new Pupil Specific Funding Scheme Project' to be led by Gillian Hiles, Service Development Manager. This project has a specific timescale: starting as soon as possible and finishing by the end of the summer term 2009.

Following consultation via the Fair Funding Consultation process with schools in the autumn term 2008, which was informed by work involving schools and other stakeholders in the summer of last year (MI Sheet 90/08 refers), we need to begin another project which will ensure a smooth transition to the new pupil specific funding scheme which takes effect in September 2009.

The project will:

	Create a guidance document on the new funding scheme for schools, children's services, parents and all other stakeholders
	Plan information events to inform schools about the new scheme
	Co-ordinate training for schools on the Audit Commission's Special /Additional Educational Needs Value for Money Resource Pack
	Consider a partnership scheme between the local authority and schools to monitor SEN expenditure
	Consider further proposals relating to SEN funding for consultation with schools in autumn 2009 as a result of specific issues raised during the latest round of Fair Funding Consultation

We are looking for the following six project members:

1.	Headteacher/Deputy - Small/rural Primary
2.	SENCo - Small/rural Primary
3.	Headteacher/Deputy - Large/urban Primary
4.	SENCo - Large/urban Primary
5.	Headteacher/Deputy - High School
6.	SENCo - High School

Other members of the project team will include:

	Gillian Hiles (Project Lead) Service Development Manager
	Michael Bateman Strategic Manager SEN, Children's Services
	Hilary Bradshaw Children's Services Finance
	Steve Knowlton-Rayner Children's Services Finance
	Judith Carter Senior Adviser SEN and Inclusion, Children's Services
	Amanda Mawbey/Julia Bivon Area Service Manager (Inclusion), Children's Services
	TBC NASSH
	TBC Health
	Lesley Chapman Independent Parental Supporter
	Jenny Parsonage Indigo Dyslexia
	Brenda Prendergast Family Voice Norfolk
	TBC RDA/SIP, Children's Services
	Governor Representatives Norfolk Governor Network
	TBC Joint Consultative Committee

It is anticipated that just two or three 2-hour meetings will be necessary: an initial one in late March / early April, one soon after Easter and another meeting during the summer term. Project Members will also receive various documents to comment and provide feedback on. The project will be completed by the end of the summer term.

If you would like to be involved in this project or would like further information please contact Marianne Knights, SEN Strategy Project Officer:
Tel: 01603 638054 Email: marianne.knights@norfolk.gov.uk

For information, the following communications are planned to inform schools about the changes to Pupil Specific Funding:

By Easter 2009	One-page leaflet outlining the basic details of the changes
By May half term 2009	Further details, including dates and venues for the information events to be held the summer term
By July 2009	Full guidance document and outline of school specific allocation proposals for autumn consultation