Decision details

To seek Cabinet approval to deliver SEND inclusion hubs across 6 academy schools. Dorset Council has been awarded £5m for this programme and will be signing an MoU with government as the accountable body.

(a)                    That the capital budget of £4.3 million and funding allocations to projects set out in the Business Case within Appendix A of the Cabinet report dated 23 June 2026 be approved.

(b)                    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Executive Director, Children’s Services, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education and, together with the Director Resources to procure and award contracts or release agreed funding to third parties delivering projects, for any Phase 2 Inclusion Hub as set out in the Business Case at Appendix A of this Cabinet report, provided the project costs are contained within the programme budget.

(c)                    That the High Needs Block revenue allocation of £2m per year recurrent, as set out in the Business Case within Appendix A of this Cabinet report dated 23 June 2026 be approved.  This has been factored into Dorset’s High Needs Block SEND reform modelling.  Inclusion Hub places are approximately £19.5k per annum compared with an independent placement in the region of £64k per annum.

(d)                    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director, Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education and the Director, Resources to release high needs revenue funding to third parties operating any Phase 2 Inclusion Hub as set out in the Business Case at Appendix A of this Cabinet report, provided the funds are within the high needs revenue allocation.

Reason for the decision

1.      To ensure that the projects can move forward at pace, to provide cost savings and improve the sufficiency of SEND placements and support.

2.      To ensure appropriate oversight and authority is in place to allow projects to progress through from inception to delivery.

3.      To evidence delivery against the SEND Local Reform Plan.