Cluster funding model to support pupils with additional needs

Kirklees are changing the way funding is provided to support school pupils with additional needs.

The plans will give schools more flexibility in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and young people – helping them to get the right support in the right place at the right time.

A new funding model

A new model will see mainstream schools grouped into ‘clusters’ based on their location. The council will then provide high needs funding to each cluster so that schools can use the money at the earliest opportunity and on a local level.

It will provide more quality and consistency for families and also mean a wider range of children and young people are able to be supported.

In developing the proposals, there has been close partnership working with the people affected, including schools, early years providers and local parent/carer group PCAN (Parents of Children with Additional Needs).

What is the aim of the new model?

The aim is to maximise and improve support for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Other councils have already changed their funding systems in similar ways.

Importantly, funding will no longer be tied solely to children with an Educational Health and Care Plan, which widens the scope of those who receive support.

Cllr Habiban Zaman, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:

“We believe strongly in our children being educated within their own communities, wherever possible. We believe in nurturing an inclusive schools system which meet the needs of children and young people in a range of different ways.

“The new approach will see schools share resources, expertise and good practice. Schools themselves, along with other partners including PCAN, have been key to developing these plans.

“Nationally as well as locally, there is a growing demand for additional needs support. We need to reflect this and, over time, the new model should lead to a more sustainable, equitable and efficient system.

“We are committed to transforming the way SEND services are delivered in Kirklees so that children, young people and families are able to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Each cluster of schools will be surrounded by a team of professionals, for example from Early Support and Educational Psychology.

The council, along with partners, is leading a wide range of projects to transform SEND services in the district. These are reflected in the SEND Big Plan.

Removing barriers to education, and having a focus on learners with additional needs, are key to Our Kirklees Futures – the long-term vision for learning across the district.