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High Needs Funding Feedback

Update to schools on the progress and changes that have been made in response to schools suggestions.

High Needs Funding Feedback to Schools

High Needs Funding has completed its first two terms and we are now looking forward to the new academic year. Therefore, we would like to update schools on the progress and changes that have been made to improve the system in this short time. Progress towards our aims

Aim 1 - We wanted to respond to applications within two weeks. We are currently making contact with schools to discuss applications within a few days and making decisions on HNF applications within a fortnight. This means that most schools will begin to receive funds within 6 weeks of their initial application.

Aim 2 - We wanted the process to be less bureaucratic and quicker than previous systems. Initially due to unfamiliarity with the form and what information was required, applications were taking SENCos a long time to complete. Therefore, we have attended AEN Update meetings and SENCo Forum meetings to provide more details on the process. We have also been offering individual support to SENCos either over the phone or at their school. SENCos who have made several applications to us are now reporting that they can complete it within an average of 2 hours.

Aim 3 - We wanted the funding to be targeted at the pupils who required the highest levels of provision to meet their needs, regardless as to whether they have a Statement of SEN or EHC Plan or not. To date 205 pupils without a Statement of SEN or EHC Plan have had high needs funded agreed.

Aim 4 - We wanted to continue to develop the system with feedback from the SENCos and schools. Below is a summary of the feedback and suggestions we have received, along with what we did in response. You said: That you wanted more support from KCC with applying for HNF. We did: We ensure that we now make contact with every school that is registered on the HNF System to offer a personal visit to support and train school staff free of charge. We are following this up by contacting schools who have not yet registered to offer the same service. You said: You want to be able to claim resources that have been purchased to support the individual pupil from the recommendation of the appropriate professional during the last academic year. We did: Agreed that resources purchased within the last academic year, for the individual pupil, and not funded through other mechanisms can be claimed. You said: You would like some additional staff to be able to enter information on applications to save Headteachers/SENCos valuable time. We did: Agreed to allow admin staff to access the system to enter information if requested and headteachers to delegate their responsibility to submit the form by a nominated member of staff.

  • You said: You want applications that have been deferred to have funding backdated to the date of initial application once it is agreed. 
    We did
    : Agreed that no school should be disadvantaged by the request for additional information. As of 1 September schools will be required to submit their updated applications within 6 weeks for funding to be backdated to the initial date of submission 
  • You said: You would like a quick link from the auto-generated password email. 
    We did
    : Revised the email to direct users to the high needs funding Kelsi webpage 
  • You said: You were being timed out of the application form on the 'narrative questions' and losing your answers. 
    We said
    : Issued every school registered on the system with a word document template that can be used to edit your answers before copying and pasting them into the online form. ICT were unable to extend the time out facility as this is required for data protection purposes.  
  • You said: The purpose of the resubmit button was not clear. 
    We did
    : Changed the button to read 'Edit Application'.

Changes you will see over the next couple of months You said: Attainment level data for NC Levels did not contain P7/8 levels or EYFS. We did: Added P7/8 levels to the drop-down choices and an additional box for entering EYFS data and any other attainment data that you felt was relevant. 

  • You said: The amount of information needed for the application was time consuming. 
    We did: Streamlined and reduced the number of 'narrative questions'. 
  • You said: The format of the timetable was not user-friendly and parents wanted one they could stick to their fridge door. 
    We did: Sourced a single sheet timetable that can be easily viewed and printed off. 
  • You said: Information on the timetable regarding named staff delivering interventions was not helpful to you or parents. 
    We did: Changed the timetable to only give the name of the intervention being delivered. 
  • You said: You are able to accidently enter duplicate interventions that resulted in applications being rejected for amendment.
    We did: Worked with ICT on the website to stop duplicate entries or overlapping.

Further Feedback

We plan to continue to make improvements to the High Needs Funding system and would welcome your feedback and any comments you have by emailing
SENFeedback@kent.gov.uk.

We will also be hosting a 'High Needs Funding Users Group' in October 2015 and would like to invite representative SENCOs from across county. If you are interesting in volunteering please email SENFeedback@kent.gov.uk