Management Information Sheet

This communication provides information on the next phase of implementation of the funding application process for children and young people with an EHC Plan in mainstream schools/academies and those with high needs at SEN Support and replaces previous correspondence.

Virtual School SEND, update on SEND funding processes
1. 2019/20 summary

We have continued to work with stakeholders to make changes and improvements to the current Element 3 funding process. The Virtual School SEND has:

• Administered and, in response to feedback, further developed 3 high needs SEND Element 3 funding rounds
• Allocated funding to 2582 children and young people
• Visited schools to provide advice and support
• Hosted funding workshops
• Produced an Element 3 funding instructional video which has been viewed over 200 times
• Reviewed and updated the Provision Expected at SEN Support (PEaSS) document and produced a condensed version and PEaSS posters in collaboration with a range of stakeholders
• Attended regional and national SEND conferences and events
• Held a series of engagement and working group events to gather information from a range of perspectives to help develop a new concept for Element 3 funding
• Worked with a range of stakeholders to develop individual needs descriptors and an inclusion and provision SEF
• Developed a graduated response of services to schools
• Held a number of training events for SEND professionals, teachers and NQTs
• Made contributions to the Valuing SEND tri-county project

2. Current position

The VS SEND are continuing to work as part of the wider SEND and AP Transformation Programme, particularly workstream A which focuses on SEN support in mainstream schools; Element 3 funding is a part of that work

3. Next steps

The Norfolk Individual Needs Descriptors (INDs) and Inclusion and Provision SEF (IPSEF) are almost ready for launch and will provide the Virtual School SEND and other NCC teams with valuable information where need and provision can be mapped across the county. This will help to inform our responses to schools and academies are appropriate and responsive, replacing some existing processes and therefore reducing workload in schools and academies.

Whilst we continue with the above project work, current funding arrangements will remain.

4. Actions for schools - autumn term funding 2020

For children and young people currently in Years R, 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7, 8, 9 and 10 who already receive Element 3 funding EHCP funding, and are staying in the current setting, will automatically be allocated based on the most recent band submitted and SEN Support top up funding will automatically be allocated to those pupils who received funding in the summer term 2020 and will be based on the band agreed by the moderators.

Arrangements for other year groups:

Leavers (current year groups)

Joiners (year groups from Sept 20)

Leavers and joiners outside of phase transfer

Exceptional circumstances funding will continue for these year groups as well, however, settings should contact the VS SEND via the funding mailbox as soon as possible, in instances where they may have pupils starting on roll in September 2020, who have EHCPs stating the need for exceptional support.

Banding values applicable for the autumn term 2020 The rates equate to 4/12ths funding and cover the period September to December 2020.

Banding descriptors and values for the autumn term 2020 (non-leavers)

5. Further information
SEND funding workshops

Due to current working conditions we are unable to offer face to face funding workshops, however, we have produced an instructional video on how to apply for Element 3 funding www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHsmnoY9XHA

SEND Forums

Again, SEND Forums for the autumn term may be face to face but we are making arrangements for virtual forums if not. Dates will be communicated to settings soon.

For any general funding queries please email cs.educationvssendfunding@norfolk.gov.uk