Funding

There are differing types of PP+ requests.

For CiC with an EHCP

Designated teachers (DTs) can request PP+ funding for children in care (CiC) in mainstream or non-mainstream settings with an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

Educational needs as identified in the plan cannot be funded through PP+.

DTs must make sure targets and requests set on the PEP are not duplicated.

IT hardware requests

Requests for items such as laptops are not interventions in themselves.

Foster carers and children's homes must provide suitable IT equipment and access to the internet so CiC can study at home.

We will consider requests from DTs under special circumstances.

Holidays and trips

PP+ funding is not for holidays but schools can request a contribution towards the cost of the following:

• trips and activities which enhance the curriculum and raise attainment
• recreational activities which improve social and emotional health

For these, we’ll also consider requests from DTs.

Schools may not charge for any activity which is essential to the curriculum.

Any requests are subject to approval by the virtual school headteacher.

Previously looked after children (PLAC) request

PLACE includes children who leave care and move to an adoption order, a special guardianship order (SGO) or a child arrangement order (CAO).

PP+ funding for PLAC goes directly to the school and is not managed by the virtual school headteacher.

School staff must identify these children in the autumn census.

Funding will be a part of the total sum of PP+ funding the school receives.

Schools will receive payment in the immediate financial year following the census.

When children or young people leave care and move to one of these orders during a financial year, the school should make sure the final PEP identifies the change. They should also make sure Essex Virtual School passes on any remaining PP+ funding so there’s no funding break before the next census generates the funding into the school's budget.

There may be cases where children change schools or where schools have already received more than the full year amount. A discussion between headteachers and the virtual school headteacher will be required to make sure appropriate interventions to sustain PEPs can continue.