Introduction
Cheshire West and Chester Council is seeking the views of schools, academies, parent and carer groups, Schools Forum members and other interested stakeholders on a proposal to transfer funding from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2027/28 financial year.
The purpose of this consultation is to ensure stakeholders have the opportunity to consider the proposal, understand its implications, and provide informed feedback before any final decision is taken.
Background
Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that sufficient support is available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Demand for SEND support and specialist provision continues to increase nationally and locally, placing significant pressure on High Needs funding.
The DSG is allocated across several funding blocks, including:
· Schools Block – Funding primarily allocated to mainstream schools and academies to meet the core costs of educating pupils aged 5 to 16.
· High Needs Block – Funding to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including specialist provision and additional support in mainstream settings.
· Early Years Block – Funding for early years education and childcare entitlements for eligible children, including provision delivered through nurseries, pre-schools and other providers.
· Central School Services Block – Funding for local authorities to carry out specified statutory and centrally managed services on behalf of maintained schools and academies.
Under national funding regulations, transfers between funding blocks above prescribed thresholds require consultation and approval.
The Proposal
It is proposed that 0.5% of the Schools Block allocation is transferred to the High Needs Block for the 2027/28 financial year. The Council’s Local SEND Reform Plan includes a 0.5% transfer in 2027/28 and 2028/29.
The proposal is to transfer 0.5% of the total Schools Block funding allocation available before distribution through the local schools funding formula. The exact monetary value of the transfer will be confirmed following receipt of the final DSG settlement for 2027/28 however 0.5% is anticipated to be in the region of £1.5m.
The transfer would apply for one year only, with any proposal for future years requiring separate consideration and approval.
Council information is also available in audio, Braille, large print or other formats. If you would like a copy in a different format, in another language or require a BSL interpreter, please email equalities@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk, telephone 0300 123 8 123 or textphone 18001 01606 275 757.