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Banded funding update
Published
In line with our GCC SEND and inclusion strategies the banded funding initiative is about developing a funding model that is flexible enough to enable more creative opportunities to be accessed and provide the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND early.
What is the purpose of a universal Banded funding system?
The Banded funding project has been commissioned to design and deliver a banded funding system that supports the delivery of tailored, child-focussed support, facilitates more creativity and flexibility and, in turn, equips children/young people with SEND to reach their full potential.
Testing was coproduced with partners including health colleagues, SENCOs, education psychologists, parent carers forum, Special School Heads, and many others.
Testing a new system in partnership with our schools
Commencing in March 2022, overall, 19 schools participated in the testing phase from March to July 2022. Participating schools included 10 maintained special schools/academies[1], 4 mainstream primary schools/academies[2] and 5 mainstream secondary schools/academies[3]. A total of 296 existing EHCPs were tested using the new descriptors.
Provision maps were submitted by our participating schools, reflecting costs of the provision implemented for each pupil with an EHCP. This data will be used to inform a new Banded Funding finance model, this is currently in development. The new model will be presented for approval at the Schools Forum later this year.
Positive and encouraging feedback was received from our coproduction partners and participating schools regarding the banded funding initiative and draft banding descriptors. There has been a collective expression of commitment to ongoing support regarding implementation and training.
Preparing for implementation and training
Our focus is now to develop a robust implementation plan to enable roll out of the new banded funding model across Gloucestershire. Using feedback captured throughout the testing phase to inform next steps.
A schedule incorporating a mix of training sessions and webinar updates will be shared in due course. These will provide opportunities to reach both school bases and local authority professionals, fully inform, discuss, and update them regarding the system. Regular communication will be imperative to ensure successful understanding and implementation of the new model to all schools across the county.
A collective effort of innovation
The Banded Funding project team would like to extend thanks to all our partners and the schools who contributed. Without the support, time and commitment dedicated to completing associated activities, the intended improvements and development of a fairer and more efficient high needs funding system for our children and young people with SEN would not be possible.
If you have any queries about the banded funding model, please contact the team at bandingworkstream@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
“The school enjoyed the process and felt it was a useful exercise to complete. A multi-team approach to banding enabled ‘buy-in’ from other staff” - Maintained Special Educational Needs School Head Teacher
[1] Maintained Special Schools: Alderman Knight School, Battledown Centre for Children & Families, Belmont School, Bettridge School, Heart of the Forest School, Milestone School, Paternoster School, The Peak Academy, The Ridge Academy, The Shrubberies School.
[2] Mainstream Primary Schools: Charlton Kings Primary and Junior Schools, Churchdown Parton Manor Primary and Junior Schools, Gloucester Road Primary School, Kingsholm C of E Primary School.
[3] Mainstream Secondary: The Dean Academy, Henley Bank High School, Maidenhill School, Pittville School, Rednock School