Management Information Sheet

The review phase is now complete and a report detailing data, evidence, survey feedback, options for recommissioning and initial conclusions has been discussed by Schools Forum.

Click here to read the full report.

Click here for a copy of the presentation giving the headline messages.

On 15th May Schools Forum decided that all three options should be progressed to Fair Funding consultation in September 2013. They also asked the project group to continue working up possible permutations to the options. This work is underway in partnership with the SRBs themselves and any revised recommendations will be presented to Schools Forum in July 2013. The final decision by Cabinet on the future of SRBs will be taken towards the end of January.

What this means for schools?

The next round of admissions will take place in November 2013 but only placements up to two terms will be agreed. Further information on future admissions processes will be available in the spring term 2014.

Key messages

There will inevitably be a period of uncertainty from now until the future direction of travel for SRBs is known. It is really important that schools and officers work together to maintain parental confidence in SEN support and provision in Norfolk during this time. The key messages which all of us need to be giving are as follows:

• It is currently business as usual for SRBs and the County Council remains committed to providing the appropriate support and provision for children with special educational needs
• No decision has yet been taken on whether any SRBs will close or change as a result of the review
• The budget for SEN support currently delivered through SRBs comes from the High Needs Block and will remain the same even if the model changes
• There will be further opportunities for schools to contribute to the shaping of a new model through the Fair Funding consultation
• There will be further opportunities for parents and the general public to contribute their views if substantial changes to SRBs are agreed

For the attention of SRB host schools

Any staff recruited should be made aware of the review and possible outcomes and should be appointed on fixed-term contracts. For further advice please contact HR Direct on (tel) 01603 222212 or via email at hrdirect@norfolk.gov.uk.

If you have any queries about the SRB review please email cs.srbreview@norfolk.gov.uk.

Thank you

SRB Review and Recommissioning team