SEND High Needs Block funding allocation - Find a freedom of information request

I would like to request the following information:

1. A copy of the Council's current operational guidance for SEND High Needs Block funding allocation (a URL to current policy document would be fine);

2. Information that describes 'top-up', 'banding,' 'matrix,' or 'element' arrangements that the Council uses to guide its allocation of High Needs Block funding to mainstream schools, resource base / units in mainstream schools, and special schools;

3. Information showing the maximum High Needs or Top-Up funding allocation (in pounds) that each specific band, matrix point, or element attracts in the current financial year (2022-23);

4. Information showing the maximum High Needs or Top-Up funding allocation (in pounds) that each specific band or element attracted for the previous financial year (2021-22).

o If funding allocations for each band/element in 2022-23 are identical to those in 2021-22, please say so.

o If it is more efficient for you to provide these allocations based on academic years rather than financial years, please use financial years instead.

o If the Council has changed its banding arrangements during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 periods, please provide information showing the previous banding arrangements as well as the current ones.

o For special schools where banded funding is not used, please provide information showing the 'top-up' allocation per place.

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. Link to latest High Needs Operational Guidance - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-needs-funding-arrangements-2022- to-2023/high-needs-funding-2022-to-2023-operational-guidance

2. Attachment 1 details the banding criteria for Special Schools. There is no official guidance for mainstream bands. When drafting a mainstream EHC plan, the panel consider the level of need and allocate the top-up funding based on the levels identified within attachment

2. The majority of EHC's are allocated into one of four bands; mild, moderate, significant, or profound, but different levels can be assigned dependent on the level of need.

3,4. Attachment 2 shows the top-up rates applicable to mainstream schools for 21/22 and 22/23 FY. Attachment 3 then shows the top-up rates for each of the Lincolnshire special schools for 21/22 and 22/23 FY's. 

Should you require the attachments mentioned above please contact customerinformationservice@lincolnshire.gov.uk with the below reference number and these can be provided.