Hi,
As a Sensory and Physical team we are currently reviewing our equipment funding pathway agreements with schools.
I was just curious to see how other LA’s fund equipment, such as specialist chairs, laptops, tablets etc (we are also looking at HI and VI team equipment)
We are reviewing what is loan and what schools should be expected to purchase for pupils with and without EHCP’s. Looking at mainstream, special schools and independent schools.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Hi Gemma, in Essex we have a high needs block budget which will fund specialist equipment over £30 for mainstream schools or over £300 for special schools. This includes specialist seating, hardware/software etc - basically anything that we wouldn't expect a school to normally provide for any other pupil. We don't fund laptops or Ipads as they are not seen as 'specialist'. Very occasionally we may fund a laptop if it has to be a particular spec or is part of a bigger package of IT access for a CYP. We do this regardless of whether the CYP has an EHCP although, again, sometimes there may be a case to say to a school that they are already receiving X amount of funding, so they could purchase an item as a RA. Another anomaly are things like bath steps which schools find it hard to find under £30 but cost less than that to order via our equipment service, so we now fund these as the money all has to come from somewhere! All equipment is on long term loan until the child no longer needs it. Happy to answer any more specific questions.
