Issue - meetings

This report sets out the outcome of applying the 2024-25 National Funding Formula (NFF) to the October 2023 schools census data and options for the local mainstream schools funding formula linked to a transfer of funding to high needs.

It also sets out the 2024-25 growth fund budget for approval.

The Assistant Chief Finance Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these minutes in the Minute Book. The Forum was advised that the report set out the outcome of applying the 2024-25 National Funding Formula (NFF) to the October 2023 schools census data and options for the local mainstream schools funding formula linked to a transfer of funding to high needs. The Forum was also advised of the 2024-25 growth fund budget which was included for approval. According to the Policy agreed in December there was just under £400k available for transfer. It had been requested at the December meeting that the total amount to close the gap was modelled. It was noted that this was not achievable and not something the local authority was planning to do. The 1 percent option was also modelled but it was really only option 2 (0.5 percent) which was relevant. The Forum was asked for its thoughts on options outlined at 2a, 2b and 2c in the paper for the transfer of funding to the high needs block if the DfE was minded to agree this despite the decision of the schools Forum.The Forum was reminded that there was also a need to agree level of growth fund. It was noted that 0.5 percent would not require DfE approval if agreed by the Forum. Anything above this amount would require approval from the DfE or if the 0.5 percent was not agreed by the Forum.

The Forum was reminded that it was agreed in the previous year to transfer the small surplus to the early years budget but a 0.5 percent transfer was not agreed.

The Chair outlined the options within table 7 of the report and the issues which needed to be considered by the Forum.

The Chair went on to outline the central growth fund for 2024/25 and sought agreement for this from the Forum. This was agreed before proceeding to consideration of the other options outlined within the report. The Chair advised that he had been communicating with Head Teachers and there had been a number of questions raised which the Chair would draw together outside of the meeting and provide with the minutes.

Feedback from the Primary Heads was that historically SEND and Social Care systems had been struggling and schools had been compensating for this. The view of primary heads was that cutting funding further it would be very difficult for schools to manage and create more problems for Head Teachers. It would have bee easier for schools to accept this action if the systems performance was better. There was also impacts on school budgets for falling pupil numbers and the partially funded pay increases. However, the biggest pressure in mainstream schools was on SEND. Schools had to resource this from their own budgets and once funding was secured it wasn’t backdated. Even a 0.5 percent transfer would be a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17