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).