To Headteachers and Chairs of Governors of All Schools
Following discussions at Schools Forum and its High Needs Committee outlining the challenges facing Northumberland in respect of its High Needs Block funding, SEND and rising Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)numbers, we are taking a series of workshops to Schools in Northumberland during March to illustrate the position and get your view as to how the challenges arising can best be addressed.
Northumberland, in common with many local authorities, and national statistics, has seen a 140% rise in the number of children and young people with EHCPs, over the past 10 years.
While there has also been increases in the related ESFA funding over the same period totalling 74%, this has not kept pace with rising demands. This has resulted in a forecast £4million shortfall in High Needs Block Finance for 2024/25.
Nationally, many authorities have been directed to the Safety Valve and Delivering Better Value in SEND Programmes managed by the ESFA. This is not the case for Northumberland but we want your opinions as to how Northumberland can address the issues it is facing.
The details of the workshops are as follows:
- Wednesday 06 March 3.30 – 5.00pm The Duchess High School, Alnwick
- Monday 11 March 3.30 to 5.00 pm The Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham
- Tuesday 19 March 3.30 to 5.00 pm NCEA Dukes Secondary School, Ashington
Please come along and give us your views. Please confirm your attendance by completing the attached form.
