Cluster funding
We’re proposing an additional way to fund SEND Support in Schools in the city so that it is easier for schools in the city to support their students.
Cluster funding - A question and answers guide for parents and carers
We are trialling a new way of giving SEND funding to schools for children with a higher level of SEND need, called ‘Cluster Funding.’
Schools will be grouped into four clusters across the city, similar in size and location. Two meetings will take place each term: with locality leads, special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs), and educational psychologists to share ideas and nominate projects, and to allocate funding. This funding will not require an education, health and care plan (EHCP), making it more accessible.
Schools can apply individually or as groups, for projects or unforeseen needs.
Initially we are piloting the cluster model in the Central locality of the city from September 2025. This pilot includes the following schools:
- Abbey Hulton Primary School
- Birches Head Academy
- Carmountside Primary School
- Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
- Eaton Park Academy
- Etruscan Primary School
- Forest Park Primary School
- Grove Academy
- Hamilton Academy
- Holden Lane Primary School
- Jackfield Infant School
- Kingsland CofE Academy
- Merit Pupil Referral Unit
- Moorpark Junior School
- New Ford Academy
- Northwood Broom Academy
- Our Lady and St Benedict Catholic Primary Academy
- Saint Nathaniel's Academy
- Smallthorne Primary Academy
- Sneyd Green Primary Academy
- St George and St Martin's Catholic Academy
- St Mark's CE (A) Primary School
- St Peter's Catholic Academy
- The Excel Academy
- Waterside Primary School
If your school is not on this list then we will update you in due course of our plans to expand this trial to other parts of the city. If your child is in a nursery setting they won’t be part of this initial pilot.
Is this funding just for children with an EHC plan?
No. Schools will be able to access support for all children with SEND. This is so that we can try to meet the needs of children with an EHC plan much earlier. Cluster funding has been designed to make it easier for schools to access support.
How will the cluster decide which school, project or initiative should get funding?
There will be clear guidelines on how to apply for funds for project-based work and what types of projects included. When requesting funding for projects, schools must show how it will benefit children. These projects may also provide support that can be used by students from multiple schools within the Cluster.
How will the clusters stay fair and balanced when deciding what needs extra funding?
To make the process fair, there will be a standard process for referrals. When requesting funding for projects, schools must show how it will benefit children. These projects may also provide support that can be used by students from multiple schools within the Cluster
What will happen to the schools that are already doing well with their SEND provisions? Will they be able to continue offering what they are?
Yes, education settings will be able to continue to offer their successful provisions. The Cluster Model will also provide a platform for sharing best practice with other education settings so that we can get all schools in the cluster providing the best possible support to all learners with SEND.
What happens if some schools are better at 'arguing their case' than others?
A local authority team around the cluster will ensure consistency and quality in meetings across the city. This team will include professionals like Educational Psychologists and members of the SEND Team to make sure everyone's opinion is heard. In some areas, schools submit funding requests on paper or anonymously, and we will think about using these methods to find the best approach for our needs.
Where this has been tried in other areas schools have worked well together to support each other and it has led to better sharing of information, support and good practice.
How does this affect requesting an EHC needs assessment or EHC plan?
The process for applying and issuing EHCPs will stay the same. If you or a school want to request an EHC assessment then you can continue to do so in the same way as before.
However, a school might decide to try to access support from the cluster before deciding to access an EHC assessment. If they do this and at the end of the funding they still need to request an EHC then the support put in through the cluster process will provide extra evidence for the EHC request.
Will there be any changes to existing provision for my child with an EHC plan?
Support for students with EHCPs will still be detailed in Section F of their plan, and the process for reviewing this support each year will stay the same.
What happens if or when the money runs out?
Admin support will help each Cluster track how the money is used. The cluster is getting extra money on top of what they already receive to fund EHC plans in their area.
A portion of funding will be set aside as a Contingency Funding for unexpected needs, which can be given during termly City Cluster Meetings with clear guidelines for applying.
The Cluster funding will be checked throughout the year, and the total amount will be reviewed each year to make sure it meets the city's needs.
It will be up to the schools in the cluster to manage this funding as best they can to meet the needs of as many children as possible. .
What happens if they can't agree on a decision? Will it be escalated further?
The final decision on funding through the Cluster process will be made by a vote within the Cluster. Since this is not a legal process, there is no right to appeal. However, the EHCP process is legal, and it will continue to include appeal rights. Bringing cases to Cluster meetings isn't just about funding. It's also a chance to discuss solutions with others, share ideas and resources, and get advice from professionals like Educational Psychologists, and SEND Team members.
Can schools get emergency funding for unexpected issues, since waiting until the next half-term meeting might be too long?
We would encourage the cluster to allocate a portion of their cluster funding to be set aside as Contingency Funding. This would be given out during the termly City Cluster Meetings for unexpected situations, with clear guidelines on how to apply. Schools can access funding at the half-termly Cluster Meetings, as well as through the EHCP process. This offers faster and more effective options than the current system.