Issue - meetings

This paper outlines the proposed 2025/26 early years single funding formula (EYSFF) and local mainstream schools funding formula based on recommendations from the Schools Forum. The mainstream schools formula includes options dependent on final decisions from government.

The formulae are highly regulated by the Department for Education (DfE), with funding provided by the £54m early years block and £285m schools block of the ring-fenced dedicated schools grant (DSG). 

The national increase in expenditure needed to support pupils with special education needs (SEND) and shortfall in DSG funding through the high needs block has been well-documented. It is generally agreed that for the system to improve outcomes for children and become more financially stable, mainstream schools must become more inclusive.  

The proposed local mainstream formula options include transferring up to £2.8m (1%) of school block funding for new high needs expenditure on services to help mainstream schools provide more support for pupils with SEND.    

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the paper outlined the proposed 2025/26 early years single funding formula (EYSFF) and local mainstream schools funding formula based on recommendations from the Schools Forum, and that the mainstream schools formula included options dependent on final decisions from government.

Cabinet was informed that the formulae are highly regulated by the Department for Education (DfE), with funding provided by the £54m early years block and £285m schools block of the ring-fenced dedicated schools grant (DSG). 

Cabinet was advised that the national increase in expenditure needed to support pupils with special education needs (SEND) and shortfall in DSG funding through the high needs block had been well-documented, and that it is generally agreed that for the system to improve outcomes for children and become more financially stable, mainstream schools must become more inclusive.  

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the proposed local mainstream formula options included transferring up to £2.8m (1%) of school block funding for new high needs expenditure on services to help mainstream schools provide more support for pupils with SEND.  

RECOMMENDED that Council agrees: -

(a)           The early years funding formula detailed in Appendix 1; and

(b)           The mainstream schools funding formula options detailed in Appendix 2 (paragraph 18), with the final outcome dependent on DfE decisions. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

The recommendations balance the funding needs of early years providers, schools and council central activity supporting the sectors and management of the high needs funding gap.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the paper outlined the proposed 2025/26 early years single funding formula (EYSFF) and local mainstream schools funding formula based on recommendations from the Schools Forum, and that the mainstream schools formula included options dependent on final decisions from government.

Cabinet was informed that the formulae are highly regulated by the Department for Education (DfE), with funding provided by the £54m early years block and £285m schools block of the ring-fenced dedicated schools grant (DSG). 

Cabinet was advised that the national increase in expenditure needed to support pupils with special education needs (SEND) and shortfall in DSG funding through the high needs block had been well-documented, and that it is generally agreed that for the system to improve outcomes for children and become more financially stable, mainstream schools must become more inclusive.  

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the proposed local mainstream formula options included transferring up to £2.8m (1%) of school block funding for new high needs expenditure on services to help mainstream schools provide more support for pupils with SEND.  

RECOMMENDED that Council agrees: -

(a)           The early years funding formula detailed in Appendix 1; and

(b)           The mainstream schools funding formula options detailed in Appendix 2 (paragraph 18), with the final outcome dependent on DfE decisions. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

The recommendations balance the funding needs of early years providers, schools and council central activity supporting the sectors and management of the high needs funding gap.