Issue details

Kent’s Strategy for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aims to address, amongst other things, gaps in provision.  Therefore the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent (2013-18) sets out the intention to commission 8 additional places for pupils with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Needs (BESN) via Dover based provision. 

In reaching this decision I have taken into account:

• the views put forward in writing in response to the consultation;
• the views of the local County Councillor; Headteacher and Governing Body of Nonington CEPS.  
• the Equalities Impact Assessment and comments received regarding this; and
• the views of the Education and Young People’s Services Cabinet Committee which are set out below

Financial Implications

a.         Capital – There are no capital costs involved in this project at Nonington CEPS.  

b.         Revenue – The school will receive funding for an agreed number of commissioned places at £10,000 per place in accordance with the Place Plus High Needs funding methodology.  In the first year place funding is guaranteed for three pupils, in the second year place funding is guaranteed for five pupils and in the third year place funding is guaranteed for eight pupils.  The school will also receive £3,977 top up funding per actual pupil attending and a contribution towards set up costs.  

c.         Human – Nonington CEPS will appoint additional teachers and support staff as the SRBP fills.

           Consultation outcomes

·         One written response was received, which supported the proposal.  Responses from children and staff at Nonington CEPS are attached at Appendix 2.

·         A summary of the comments received is provided at Appendix 1 of the report

·         The views of the Local Member, Mr Steve Manion were being sought.

·         The Headteacher and Governing Body of Nonington CEPS are in full support of the proposal. 

The headteacher says  “The work that is done in the unit has enabled children who had been constantly excluded from previous schools, and who had achieved little or no progress in terms of learning and behaviour, are able to achieve success in all areas of school life and to be integrated into mainstream classes on a phased basis. The work of the staff and children has been enormous, and their progress superb, and making this a formalised and official setting will only enhance its work.”

     The view of the Area Education Officer:

·         Nonington CEPS is a fully inclusive school, judged as Good by Ofsted.  Specialist Resource Base Provisions, such as the one we are proposing for Nonington CEPS, enable other children in the school to experience the rich opportunities that learning together brings; welcoming diversity, learning to recognise and build on their ability to accept difference in others and learn from their skills. 

     View of the Education Cabinet Committee

·         At its meeting on 4 December 2013, the Committee agreed to endorse the actions to implement key proposals set out in the SEND Strategy.