Issue - meetings

Based on a principle-based consultation, this report sets out a recommended early years single funding formula (EYSFF) for the financial year 2025/26. The recommendation demonstrates a balanced position of the funding available for distribution to the early years sector. It includes support for disadvantaged children and those with additional needs and funding required for central council functions.

A principles-based consultation reflects that the Department for Education has yet to release local authority funding rates. It is anticipated that details will be announced by mid-December. In the meantime, the council has held a consultation following agreement from the Early Years Sub-Group that an early principle-based consultation with the sector is preferred (i.e. as opposed to waiting for the DfE announcement). Consultation with the sector was held during October and closed on 5 November.  12% of providers engaged with the consultation. Overall, early years’ providers are supportive of the proposed principles set out for the 2025/26 EYSFF.  The consultation response is contained in Appendix A.

The Head of School Planning and Admissions 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, based on a principle-based consultation, this report sets out a recommended early years single funding formula (EYSFF) for the financial year 2025/26. The recommendation demonstrated a balanced position of the funding available for distribution to the early years sector. It included support for disadvantaged children and those with additional needs and funding required for central Council functions.

A principles-based consultation reflected that the Department for Education had yet to release local authority funding rates. It was anticipated that details would be announced by mid-December. In the meantime, the Council held a consultation following agreement from the Early Years Sub-Group that an early principle-based consultation with the sector was preferred (i.e. as opposed to waiting for the DfE announcement). Consultation with the sector was held during October and closed on 5 November.  12% of providers engaged with the consultation. Overall, early years’ providers were supportive of the proposed principles set out for the 2025/26 EYSFF. 

It was suggested that the low response rate was thought to just be a reflection of people not having the full details for what they were being asked to comment on

RESOLVED that Schools Forum recommend the principle-based proposal for the 2025-26 EYSFF to Council.

Voting: Unanimous