SEND Mainstream Funding Cluster Model
Introduction
We would like to formally invite all stakeholders into the conversation and coproduction to the proposed Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) Mainstream Funding Cluster Model.
Southampton City Council are proposing moving Higher Needs SEND funding to a Cluster Model for Mainstream School settings within the area. We are seeking advice from stakeholders through the coproduction period for the start date of this model but would be aiming for a start date within the 2024-2025 academic year. This model of Higher Needs SEND funding has been adopted by several local authorities.
The aim of this approach is to improve support and outcomes for pupils with SEND. The approach will allow education settings to access Higher Needs funding in a more efficient way and to be utilised in a more flexible manner, supporting both individual pupils and wider project work. The Cluster Model will lend itself to greater co-operation between professionals and more frequent opportunities for peer mentoring and solution focused discussion.
Contact
To support communication and transparency as part of the coproduction period, a designated email address has been established: HNFmodel@southampton.gov.uk.
This email can be used by any stakeholder to support the coproduction period by asking questions or providing suggestions or feedback.
Monthly communication
Monthly communications will produced throughout the coproduction period. The aim is to provide updates and transparency to all stakeholders on the aims of the process, to provide details of opportunities to contribute towards the coproduction and key developments through the process.
View the latest monthly communication.
As part of the SEND Strategy 2022- 2027, Southampton City Council has been seeking strategies to strengthen inclusive practice in its mainstream schools and settings and to ensure that its mainstream offer is high quality and consistently good. As part of this process, a review into the way in which the sector is funded and supported was conducted throughout the 2022-2023 academic year.
As part of this process, Peter Gray (Strategic Services for Children & Young People - SSCYP) undertook a review. Peter has significant knowledge and experience of SEND funding approaches across the UK, having worked as a consultant to local and national government on this issue for over 20 years. Below is the report of his findings which has been used in the development of SEND Mainstream Funding Cluster model proposal:
Peter Gray - Southampton Mainstream Funding Report
Parent/carer information
Cluster funding - a Q&A guide for parents/carers
Southampton is trialling a new way of giving SEND funding to schools for children with a higher level of SEND need, it is called ‘Cluster Funding.’ They would like your views about it. Schools will be grouped into seven clusters across the city, similar in size and location. Two meetings will take place each term: one with locality leads, SENCOs, and Educational Psychologists to share ideas and nominate projects, and another including Headteachers to allocate funding. This funding won't require an EHCP, making it more accessible. Schools can apply individually or as groups, for projects or unforeseen needs. Existing EHCPs won’t change, but new ones will focus on specific needs. This started in March 2024, with trials taking place in Spring 2025, and full rollout by Summer 2025 if successful.
How will the cluster decide which school, project or initiative should get funding? SHOW
How will the clusters stay fair and balanced when deciding what needs extra funding? SHOW
What will happens to the schools that are doing well with their SEND provisions? Will they be able to continue offering what they are? SHOW
What happens if some schools are better at 'arguing their case' than others? SHOW
Will there be any changes to existing EHCP provision? SHOW
What happens when the money runs out? SHOW
What happens if they can't agree on a decision? Will it be escalated further? SHOW
Can schools get emergency funding for unexpected issues, since waiting until the next half-term meeting might be too long? SHOW
What exactly will happen with new EHCPs and the funding around them? SHOW
Other updates and news
See all the SEND updates and news.