Management Information Sheet

High Needs Funding Process

MI Sheet TypeAction
To Be Completed By: 30/05/2014
MI Number:26/14
Publication Date:31/01/2014 12:00:00
LA Contact:Sara-Jane Sturman (01603 222390)
Audience:SENCO

High Needs Funding Process

The Education Funding Agency has set new and challenging deadlines for Post-16 providers and Local Authorities (LA) for 2013-14 for processing applications for High Needs Funding for pupils with SEN applying for courses beginning in September 2014. The LA is required to make all its High Needs Funding decisions by 30th May 2014 and have all its contracts signed for such provision by 30th June 2014.

Secondary schools are asked to respond as quickly as possible (desirably by return) to requests for copies of SEN documents from Post-16 providers in order to support them in making requests for High Needs Funding in a timely manner.

SEN documentation

Statemented pupils

Post-16 providers will require a copy of the most up to date statement and the last annual review as a minimum, together with any up to date professional advice (less than 2 years old) which was provided for the statement or the annual review.

Pupils without a statement but with a Learning Disability Assessment

Post-16 providers will need updated individual education/behaviour plan plus any up to date professional advice.

Guidance Advisers will provide a copy of the Learning Disability Assessment direct to the college.

Professional Advice

Examples of reports where available and relevant to ongoing needs from:

  • Educational psychologist
  • Virtual School for Sensory Support
  • Short Stay School for Norfolk
  • Advisory Teacher report
  • Speech and language therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
  • Other medical professional reports
  • Social care

Where relevant:

  • Most recent risk assessment
  • Most recent health care plan
  • Most recent behaviour plan

For Looked After Children:

  • Personal Education Plan

Further Information

For further information or advice contact Sara-Jane Sturman (Training and Education Strategy and Partnership Officer). Telephone 01603 222390.