Overview
In mainstream settings each pupil on roll will receive Element 1 funding Age Weighted Young Person Unit (AWPU). All children should be able to access high quality teaching and we know from research that this improves outcomes for all children but also, high quality teaching, differentiated for individual pupils, is the first step in responding to pupils who have or may have SEN.
The main source of SEN funding in schools is the Notional SEN Budget. Mainstream maintained schools and academies (“schools”) are notified each year of a clearly identified but notional budget, within their overall budget allocation, towards the costs of fulfilling their duty to use their ‘best endeavours’ to secure special educational provision for their pupils with SEN. The Somerset Graduated Response Tool makes clear the Local Authority expectation of what ‘ordinarily available’ provision mainstream schools should provide for children with SEN.
The Somerset Graduated Response Tool outlines the Local Authority’s expectation of what ‘ordinarily available’ provision mainstream schools should provide for children with SEN.
The Local Authority calculates the amount of the notional budget using local mainstream schools funding formula factors such as
- free school meals
- social deprivation factors
- English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- attainment levels
For more information visit The notional SEN budget for mainstream schools: operational guidance.
