To review the Dedicated Schools Grant high needs budget for 2019/20 and recommend to the cabinet member children and families any necessary adjustments in the Pupil Referral Service charges to schools and SEN support services to schools.

The report sets out the expected financial position for Herefordshire high needs budgets and expenditure for the three years from 2019/20. Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2020/21 onwards will be determined by government following the Comprehensive Spending Review. This report recommends a number of actions to ensure that the high needs funding allocation is spent as effectively as possible whilst recognising the absolute duty to ensure that pupils’ needs are met as required by Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014. The views of schools forum have been sought on the proposed budget plan prior to seeking cabinet member approval. The available high needs budget for 2019/20 will be set at £13.4m after deductions passported directly to academies and post-16 providers by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. This allows for flexibility to meet additional unexpected costs and a prudent increase in DSG balances in the short term.