Mainstream schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will receive annual SEND funding to support earlier help for children through local clusters before a formal education plan is issued. Mainstream schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will get yearly funding for special needs support. The scheme will release £1.5 million a year from the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block, so schools can offer earlier help to children without waiting for a formal Education, Health and Care Plan. Neighbouring mainstream schools will work in local clusters, pooling resources for s
Mainstream schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will get yearly funding for special needs support.
The scheme will release £1.5 million a year from the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block, so schools can offer earlier help to children without waiting for a formal Education, Health and Care Plan.
Neighbouring mainstream schools will work in local clusters, pooling resources for specialist support and intervention, with applications available for individual pupils and for groups of children who need shared help.
Councillor Richard Burton told the meeting that cabinet had supported the "targeted cluster model", which he said would fund "early intervention, inclusion, and prevention activities" across local clusters in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
He said the approach is already used by seven other local authorities and lets mainstream schools apply for funding before an EHCP is issued, after full council approved the plan by consensus.
The wider SEND reform plan is due to return to cabinet and full council in December, when councillors are expected to consider final approval for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
