[senco-forum] query

Jess

I think that you will find it is the Governors who are legally responsible
for the funds and that the school manages them on behalf of the Governors.

If the money is ring fenced then if it were me, I would be formally writing
to the Head advising him that he is using ring fenced funds for other
purposes, and I would also write to the SEN Governor pointing this out.

Clearly it won't make you the most popular member of staff, but it a) will
cover you and b) should be sufficient to ensure that you get your proper
funds, since if it came out at a later stage at a tribunal or similar that
you had pointed this out an no action taken, then the Head and SEN Governor
could be in some difficulty.

Alex

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Cannon - Miss J
Sent: 01 October 2007 12:11
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: [senco-forum] query - where does the buck stop?

WARNING!
Slightly rambling hastily written email!

A hypothetical situation

SEN funding (100% of it derived via Audit) all spent up! Some heated
discussion between SENCo and Head about what it 'should' be spent on and
what it is spent on.
Yr 9 Student - BESD Statement quantifying 15hrs TA support. SEN dept can
only provide 2.5! (If we re-direct support, it would leave a 'support
class' with 3 statemented students without any support).  BESD student
very much at risk of permanent exclusion.
SENCo highlights dilemma to Head. Also points out high likelihood of any
exclusion being overturned because of the school failing to meet his
Special Ed Needs. 
Head moans..."I can't magic money from no-where...." 
SENCo replies "fine - just to alert you and 'pass the buck'; I can only
work with the resources I'm given."
Head replies "we share the buck - we are jointly responsible"
Heads suggestion was to move BESD student (average ability) into support
groups to access support. SENCo declined suggestion!

Questions
1. Is there anything stronger than 'should' in any guidance about where
SENCos / admin support is funded from?
2. Any ideas on how to support this young man - to make his life chances
a bit more positive and to avoid perm. excl.?
3. Anyone found any effective ways to squeeze money and put it back
where it belongs?
4. Am I legally / professionally responsible for the failure to meet
this students needs?

Any equally rambling advice appreciated!
Thanks
Jess