SEND and Inclusion Transformation

May 2024

A letter from Dan Barton, Deputy Director (Learning) at Leeds City Council regarding the next stage in the improvement of our SEND services.

Background and Rationale for Change 

1. Why are you changing the model? 

In the video above from our Deputy Director for Learning Dan Barton explains the background behind the transformation programme and why it is needed. 

Current and Future Funding Arrangements 

2. If my child is currently in receipt of Funding For Inclusion (FFI), how will the new model affect this? 

It is the intention of the Local Authority (LA) that any funding that has already been awarded will remain in place until transition for the children or young person is complete. 

3. My child currently receives FFI funding but does not have an EHCP, will the funding continue beyond April 2025 and, if so, for how long? 

FFI will be in place until at least the end of March 2025. After that, it will cease if a decision has been made not to proceed with an EHC needs assessment. 

4. Will EYFFI change? And what will happen to my child’s funding at the end of nursery?   

Yes, current arrangements will cease in August 2024 to be replaced by the single application process. All currently funded children will have their funding rolled over until the end of transition arrangements, and where appropriate, an EHC needs assessment will be considered. Therefore, you should not apply for funding if it is due to run out at the end of nursery.   

For children in nursery, EYFFI applications can still be made until 31 August 24 for any funding agreed to be allocated from September 2024. For children moving into Reception in autumn term 2024 there will need to be consideration of if they need an EHC needs assessment. A request can be submitted as and when needs arise using the single application process online from September 2024. 

Support for Parents and Carers 

5. What support is there for parents and carers as the model is changed? 

We will engage with a wide range of stakeholders throughout this change to provide clarity and support, through a range of methods including direct conversation, group engagement, information sharing, and a page hosted on the Leeds Local Offer for parents and carers. You can contact us to ask questions or provide feedback at ehcpreview@leeds.gov.uk. You can also sign up to the Leeds Parent Carer Forum (LPCF) where you can have your say on key issues that affect children and families with SEND in the city. You can find out information about support groups here.   

Transition and Application Processes 

6. What is the plan to clear the backlog of Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) applications? 

Our current plans include a short-term investment in Educational Psychologists (EPs) and plan writers to support clearing the EHC requests that are out of statutory timeframe. We also aim to simplify our processes through use of new IT and digital tools, implementing a single application form, and setting up a multi-agency panel for decision making. Alongside this, we will also be working on a long-term recruitment and retention strategy to invest in more Educational Psychologists. 

7. How will you support children and young people that require funding but don’t currently have an EHCP or who may not qualify for an EHCP? 

The FFI team will be speaking with individual schools and educational settings to discuss options for these children as well as cases for those who are not in receipt of an FFI that may require an EHC assessment request form to be completed. 

We are also considering a setting-based model to support cohorts of children and young people to continue to receive funding. Further information about how to apply for this funding will be communicated with schools and settings in due course. 

8. How will the transition for children in early years and other key stages be managed during this period of change, and when will schools be contacted? 

As we go through this period of change the FFI team will contact each school to individually discuss their cohort and plan the transition. We expect that these phone calls will take place in June, July, and early September 2024. An FFI Co-ordinator will email each setting before the end of term to schedule the phone call. 

9. What is the expected transition timeframe, and will there be sufficient capacity to do this in a timely manner? 

A transition timetable will be produced and published as soon as possible. The Local Authority (LA) is currently considering how resources will be assigned to this process. 

Specific Queries for FFI Calls 

10. Which year groups will be discussed in the transition phone calls the FFI team are having with settings? 

All years will be discussed during the FFI phone calls with settings, including Nursery 2 (ages 3-4) to reception and Year 6 to Year 7. 

11. Will my child with funding who is transitioning to secondary school in September 2024, be discussed in the FFI phone call with their primary or secondary school? 

Pupils with funding who are transitioning to secondary school in September 2024 will be listed and discussed during phone calls with the secondary school. These discussions will also facilitate the sharing of transition information for students moving to a new phase. 

For further support and guidance on the EHCP review process, please contact ehcpreview@leeds.gov.uk 

 If you feel you require further support during this transition, you can contact:  

• Your school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO)  
• Your school’s Family Support Worker (if applicable)  
• The Leeds Parent Carer Forum  
• The SEND Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS)  

For information about SEND services in Leeds visit the Leeds Local Offer website.