30 September 2010
Auditors have called for a ‘fundamental review’ of special schools funding in Wales after an investigation revealed inconsistencies and weaknesses in funding arrangements.
A report from the Wales Audit Office, published today, found significant variations in funding for school services to pupils with similar needs. It criticises councils’ failure to gauge the value of their provision by comparing their spending with that of other councils.
The WAO says the basis on which resources are allocated to the 43 special schools might no longer be appropriate as the needs of pupils have become more severe and complex in the past 20 years.
Gillian Body, auditor general for Wales, said: ‘There needs to be a fundamental review of the way special schools are funded in Wales. The current approach is inconsistent and not focused enough on what schools need.
‘While schools are generally making good use of the funds currently available to them, a revision of the system would help ensure that they can consistently meet pupils’ needs across Wales.’
The WAO is calling on councils to review their special needs funding using up-to-date information on current needs and comparative costs for pupils both within and outside their authority.
The Welsh Assembly Government is urged to collate all data on special needs demand and provision and use it to plan special school places across Wales.
It was also encouraged to promote better collaboration between councils and local health boards.
