I would like to request the following:

1. 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;
See file.

2. 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 (2023-24);
See file.

3. 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 (2022-23).
• If funding allocations for each band/element in 2023-24 are identical to those in 2022-23, please say so.
• If it is more efficient for you to provide these allocations based on academic years rather than financial years, please use academic years instead.
• If the Council has changed its banding arrangements during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 periods, please provide information showing the previous banding arrangements as well as the current ones.
• For special schools where banded funding is not used, please provide information showing the High Needs Block ‘top-up’ allocation per place.
See file.