While it is not a mandatory requirement for local authorities, Northumberland uses the notional SEN figure as a threshold at which point those inclusive mainstream schools with the highest proportion of students with EHC plans or in receipt of additional Top Up funding may access additional HN “notional” funding on a school basis, as opposed to an individual assessed learner basis. This was to support schools being asked to find additional Element 2 funding (“the first £6,000”) from their budgets,
Looking at how the Notional SEN figure is calculated, each Northumberland school’s notional SEN funding level is calculated on the following basis :
- 100% of FSM6;
- 100% of IDACI; and
- 100% of Low Prior Attainment Funding;
This is shown on the bottom of Schools Budget Share documents. Because this draws heavily on Deprivation and Low Prior Attainment, similarly sized schools can have significantly different notional SEN levels.
In considering this calculation, it was felt the guidance and rationale behind the lump sum element within the funding formula (i.e. that every school no matter what size, have a core need for a headteacher, administrative / reception staff and premises staff) meant the Lump Sum should be excluded from the notional SEN calculation. In relation to the inclusion of a proportion of Free School Meals (FSM), this is largely accounted for in the provision of FSM to qualifying students, therefore should again be excluded from the calculation.
Setting an appropriate threshold to access additional “notional” HN funding
50% of the notional SEN figure needs to be accounted for by element 2 funding (the first £6,000 that schools are required to find themselves). Additional SEN funding is then provided by Northumberland in respect of those students over the number support by your Notional SEN figure
A worked example for the Summer Term is shown below:
| Schools Notional SEN Budget : | 47,465.86 | |||
| 50% applied to Students with EHCP and Top Up | 23,732.93 | |||
| Funds first £6k for | 3.96 | students | ||
| Number of Students in Receipt of EHCP & Top Up | 6.00 | |||
| Calculated School Notional SEN Payment | 36,000.00 | |||
| Additional Payable to School Annual pro-rata | 12,267.07 | |||
| Payment for Autumn Term | 4,089.02 | |||
Only pupils between Reception and Year 11 for whom Top Up funding is currently being paid will be counted in the above calculations. Other pupils who have simply been recorded as SEN Support “code K” in the School Census are not included, but resources should be available from within the other 50% of the Notional SEN budget to support these students, without the need to apply for an EHCP or Top Up funding.
Additional Notional Payments for the Summer Term 2025 will be made during May 2025. Notional SEN Payments will be assessed and calculated based on numbers at the start of each term. A student receiving and EHCP and associated Top Up payment mid term will be included in figures from the start of the following term.
If you would like any further information in relation to Notional SEN funding please contact Bruce Parvin, Education and Skills Business Manager on 01670 623 431 or via bruce.parvin@northumberland.gov.uk.
