Funding and Needs Descriptors

This page outlines the system in Doncaster for accessing High Needs Funding.

On this page, you can find:

High Needs Funding
The Needs Descriptors
Pyramid Funding Panel Information
Funding Applications
Example Application Forms and SEND Support Plans

High Needs Funding

Groups of professionals in Doncaster have worked on a new set of processes for improving how we meet needs locally. As part of this work we have developed a new approach to support mainstream schools with additional funding for children and young people with higher levels of SEND needs. This new approach features groups of schools working together to support each other with decision making and identifying correct interventions for learners. This local decision making will support the increasing autonomy of schools to work together to meet needs and to allow decision making that is fair and consistent.

Following the agreement of this new process through the Schools Forum consultation in May 2024, we will now implement this new approach. We have piloted the approaches and materials during the Summer term of 2024.

What is High Needs Funding?

The Local High Needs Funding (LHNF) system is to support children and young people (CYP) with emerging high needs in mainstream schools at the earliest possible opportunity. This has been designed collaboratively by the Local Authority, schools and parents working together. The success of this system will rely on all parties continuing to work to this principle in our communications with each other and with families.
LHNF is top-up funding to support the cost of provision within a mainstream school which exceeds the first £6000 allocated from within the school’s Notional SEN Budget. This is to fund interventions and provision which go beyond that which is ordinarily available (including High Quality Teaching and reasonable adjustments).
Pyramids will be provided with data which outlines how high needs funds are spent on children and young people who live within the pyramid.

How is High needs funding allocated?

Decision making will take place on a pyramid basis at Pyramid Funding Panels. Professionals felt that it would be useful to build on existing relationships which have formed through Pyramid Planning Meetings and help build collective responsibility for meeting children and young peoples needs in their local area.

What will panels make decisions on?

Panels will make decisions on funding for SEND K pupils F2- Age 16

What are the aims of the new system?

Moving the focus away from statutory assessment where it may not be required to ensure those with highest level of need, receive the highest level of support.
To ensure that funding is allocated to an evidenced and moderated level of need using The Needs Descriptors

The Needs Descriptors

There are five levels of need identified in The Needs Descriptors which align with The Graduated Approach:

➢ Universal

➢ Universal Plus

➢ Targeted

➢ Targeted Plus

➢ Specialist

Universal, Universal Plus and Targeted are resourced through the school or setting’s allocated funding.
For CYP whose needs are identified at Targeted + or Specialist level, additional funds may be allocated if it is agreed that the 'additional to and different from' provision required to meet their needs exceeds the full notional spend.
Where references are made within the descriptors to support, this does not assume additional adult support.

Complete set Needs Descriptors V1.1: Download (584KB - PDF)

Pyramid Funding Panel Information

Eligibility Criteria

The child or young person must attend a mainstream school in Doncaster. Children attending specialist or enhanced provisions (e.g. SEMH hubs, alternative provision or ARCS) are not eligible as these are funded through separate contractual agreements.
The child or young person must present with needs that are at Targeted + level of higher, in line with Doncaster’s Needs Descriptors.
Provision required must exceed what is ordinarily available provision in mainstream settings including high quality teaching and reasonable adjustments in line with Doncaster’s Ordinarily Available Provision guidance.
Evidence that full notional SEN budget of £6,000 has been deployed for the child or young person must be provided within the application.
Provision should have been delivered through at least two completed Assess, Plan, Do, Review (ADPR) cycles at a Targeted Level and a robust SEND support plan must be in place.

Applications MUST show evidence of:

Effective High Quality Teaching and Reasonable Adjustments
Accurate use of The Needs Descriptors with level of need correctly identified
Evidence of appropriate external professional involvement and impact
Success criteria and outcomes closely matched to identified needs
Appropriate and clearly costed plan for additional mainstream provision

Queries relating to Pyramid Funding Panels should be sent to: PyramidFundingPanel@doncaster.gov.uk

Funding Applications

What should I include?

1. Fully completed funding application form

Please note:

- Formulas have been updated to support Excel 2016 due to reported issues. As a result some cells will show 'FALSE' until a value is selected.

- If there are any significant changes to a form the version number will be updated. Minor updates may occur periodically e.g updates to guidance tab- date will be updated in these cases.

- 'Specialist' refers to an external professional with specific additional qualifications e.g. an art therapist or counsellor. This does not refer to a member of staff within school who has received specific training. In these instances please indicate as appropriate: Teacher, Higher Level Teaching Assistant or Teaching Assistant.

INDIVIDUAL Funding Application Form 2025-2026: Download (89KB - XLSX)

GROUP Funding Application Form 2025-2026: Download (71KB - XLSX)

We have updated the GROUP form following feedback. We have included a timetable but appreciate this may not be appropriate for all groups. Please include details of this in the context box.

Annual Review Funding Form V1: Download (39KB - XLSX)

2. A current and recently updated SEND Support Plan

Application packs should be added to your pyramids Microsoft Team's Channel within your school's folder.

Examples

Please note: these examples are not based on actual children or provision. They are to demonstrate types of information that should be included. As such there may be some missing information or inconsistencies.