To receive an update on the DSG Deficit Management Plan and SEND Reforms.

The forum received an update on Herefordshire’s SEND Reform Plan, which was submitted on 19 June following co-production with a wide range of partners including education, social care, health services and parent carer representatives.

The plan was linked to the High Needs Stability Grant, which could see up to 90% of the High Needs deficit written off (to 2025–26) if the plan is approved. The plan will undergo extensive quality assurance, with a final decision by the Secretary of State expected in September. If not approved, a revised submission can be made, although this would delay associated funding.

It was highlighted that the reform programme is both ambitious and necessary, aiming to address challenges in the current SEND system and the growing High Needs deficit. The plan was developed within tight timescales and despite delays in receiving key national guidance.

Members were advised that, if approved, the majority of the existing deficit would be written off, although a residual deficit would remain. There would continue to be financial pressures over the next three years, with expenditure expected to rise in the short term before gradually reducing as reforms take effect. The year one implementation funding of £1.2 million was noted as limited, particularly given the requirement to establish multidisciplinary support teams.

The reform model focuses on creating a more inclusive and joined-up 0–25 SEND system, with greater emphasis on meeting children’s needs within mainstream settings wherever appropriate. This includes earlier intervention, reduced reliance on waiting lists, and the introduction of a coordinated “front door” approach to accessing support. Implementation will take place over three years, with a phased transition and parallel operation of existing systems.

Members noted the introduction of locality-based multidisciplinary teams, comprising professionals such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists. These teams would work directly with schools, focusing on building staff capacity and supporting whole-school approaches rather than individual withdrawal interventions. Year one would pilot the approach in two clusters, with full county rollout planned over subsequent years.

The importance of collaboration with schools was emphasised, including engagement with new support structures, participation in networks, and identification of staff development needs.

Additional tools such as a SEND portal, assistive technology lending library, and in-school triage services would support implementation.

Members were reassured that the reforms do not reduce the role of special schools. Instead, addressing the current shortfall in specialist provision remains a priority.

Plans are in place to expand local capacity, including new SEMH intervention places, additional autism provision, and the development of a new special school in Ross-on-Wye by 2027, alongside ongoing capital improvements and accessibility works.

Key risks included recruitment challenges, managing the transition between systems, and ongoing financial pressures. However, Members agreed that the reforms present a significant opportunity to improve outcomes for children and young people by enabling earlier access to support and reducing delays within the system.

The forum were extremely supportive of the SEND reform programme and the pilot initiative offering their sincere thanks to all the officers involved.

In response to questions:

1.     Members were advised that the SEND deficit was not expected to be eliminated within the Government's set three-year reform timeframe and acknowledged that financial pressures would continue in the short to medium term.

2.     Members were reassured that there were no plans to remove children from existing settled placements and that the intention was to reduce reliance on independent placements gradually over a three to five-year period as local provision developed.

3.     Members were informed that the financial position would be closely monitored and regularly reported to the Forum and Budget Working Group, whilst the Council continued to lobby for improved SEND funding through organisations such as the F40 group.

4.     Officers acknowledged the challenges associated with cross-border funding arrangements and confirmed that responsibility for funding rested with the pupil’s home authority. Members were advised that new Government guidance on these arrangements had recently been published and officers would review and provide a more detailed briefing to a future Budget Working Group and Schools Forum meeting.

Action: A briefing on cross-border funding arrangements to be provided to the Budget Working Group and Schools Forum.