Agenda item

To consider a report from Miriam Leigh, Head of Children Thriving in Education, Education and Learning, People – Children Directorate

For Consultation

To consider a report from Miriam Leigh, Head of Children Thriving in

Education, Education and Learning, People – Children Directorate

For Consultation  

Key points of discussion

Forum received a report outlining Dorset Council’s Section 19 Placements Policy, which sets out the local authority’s statutory responsibilities for arranging education for children unable to attend school due to illness, exclusion, or other exceptional circumstances. The policy had been reviewed against legal guidance and has been discussed by senior officers prior to today's consultation with Forum.

The policy aimed to clarify roles and responsibilities, safeguard access to education, and formalise funding arrangements, particularly in cases of dual registration. While the policy did not include detailed figures, it described the principles used to determine contributions from schools.

Forum members broadly welcomed the policy’s intent but raised several points of concern and clarification:

Funding Responsibilities and Equity

A member queried the duties on host schools in relation to funding, seeking clarity on whether this referred to the full cost of provision being born by the school or if only the funding received by the school for the student would be used to fund provision, with the balance being met by the authority.

Officers confirmed that the local authority may assume full responsibility for the cost of education where a return to school was no longer viable after a full academic year, and that schools would only be expected to contribute the funding they continued to receive for the pupil in the interim

Another member challenged the assumption that all funding should be reclaimed, noting that schools retain safeguarding and oversight responsibilities for pupils in alternative provision. It was suggested that a portion of funding should remain with the school to reflect this ongoing role.

 Officers recognised this and confirmed that funding arrangements would be determined on a case-by-case basis, with individual agreements outlining responsibilities and contributions.

A further concern was raised about consistency in decision-making across the county.

Officers confirmed that a framework would be developed to support equitable and transparent decisions.

Medical Evidence and Eligibility

Members raised questions about the requirement for medical evidence to support placements, noting that some locality teams had advised schools that such evidence was no longer necessary.

Officers confirmed that medical evidence was still expected, but that this could include a range of documentation such as appointment confirmations. Officers recognised the need to ensure consistency and clarity in expectations.

A member suggested that a standardised form for GP input could help ensure consistency and reduce ambiguity.

Policy Scope and Legal References

A member queried whether the policy should reference Section 61 of the Education Act as this is unclear.

Concerns were raised about references to “25 hours” of provision, with members noting that this may not always be appropriate or achievable.

Timing of Funding Adjustments

A member raised concerns about the timing of funding adjustments, noting that reclaiming based on the financial year may not accurately reflect the school budget cycle, Leading to funding being reclaimed before it is received.

Officers agreed to explore whether adjustments could be aligned more closely with the academic calendar, subject to regulatory constraints.

Forum members welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback and noted the importance of ensuring the policy is both legally robust and practically workable.

Officers committed to reviewing the policy in light of the discussion and to issuing clear guidance to locality teams to ensure consistent implementation.

Actions:

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