That the Cabinet:

a)    Notes the High Needs forecast outturn position for 2024/25 (as at Q3, December 2024).

b)    Considers the recommendations of the Schools Forum held on 14^th March 2025 (Option 2 for the SEN Protection scheme, & the details in Appendix 3); and

c)    Approves the High Needs Budget of £45.7 million for 2025/26 noting the funding gap in 2025/26 of £20.2 million (253% higher than the funding gap agreed for 2024/25).

1.             The Budget Working Group (BWG) & Schools Forum have been consulted on the proposed budget plan and options considered are included at Appendix 3. The Children and Families Act (2014) requires the Council to ensure that the needs of pupils are met and the Council is required to adhere to the Department for Education’s (DfE) prescribed arrangements for school and Local Authority as set out in regulations.

The Budget Working Group (BWG) & Schools Forum have also been consulted on affordability options for the SEN Protection scheme, with Option 2 being recommended by Schools Forum for approval by Cabinet.

A Political Group consultation also took place on April 10^th 2025 the views of which can be found in the consultees section of this report.