High Needs Funding: An overview of the key issues

The SEND and Inclusion Strategy sets out our commitment to learners with high needs, however, we know that in order to support our learners appropriately we have a financial challenge. 

Nationally, there is currently an estimated £600m overspend on the High Needs element of the Dedicated Schools Grant. This latest report, from the Education Policy Institute, sets out some of the factors behind this.

Along with other local authorities, Warwickshire is forecasting a significant overspend on the High Needs Block based on current trends, in terms of rising demand and complexity of need. This is being monitored by Schools Forum, and a task and finish group consisting of head teachers, SENCOs and LA officers has been established to explore different ways to address the current situation.

Findings from the task and finish group will be shared at the Headteachers' Conference on 12 June, setting out a series of recommendations for the best ways to sustain the work of the local area high needs system and local offer going forward.