Issue - meetings

It is RECOMMENDED that:

(a) The decision for the early years single funding formula (EYSFF) is delegated to the corporate director for children’s services in consultation with the portfolio holder for children, young people, education and skills.

(b) Council approves the mainstream schools funding formula detailed in Appendix 2.

Councillor Richard Burton introduced the report and moved the recommendations as set out in the report.

This was seconded and it was:

RESOLVED: that:

(a) The decision for the early years single funding formula (EYSFF) is delegated to the corporate director for children’s services in consultation with the portfolio holder for children, young people, education and skills;

(b) Council approves the mainstream schools funding formula detailed in Appendix 2.

Voting: Nem. Con.

This paper outlines the proposed 2026/27 local mainstream schools funding formula based on recommendations from the Schools Forum.

The formula is highly regulated by the Department for Education (DfE), with funding provided by the £293m schools block of the ring-fenced dedicated schools grant (DSG). 

The proposed local mainstream formula is to replicate the national funding formula (NFF) with minor amendments as recommended by Schools Forum on 19 January 2026 to reflect that it is not affordable in full.   

The early years single funding formula (EYSFF) is being considered by Schools Forum on 16 February 2026 to allow time for a full consultation process with providers.  

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 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was informed that the paper outlined the proposed 2026/27 local mainstream schools funding formula based on recommendations from the Schools Forum.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the formula was highly regulated by the Department for Education (DfE), with funding provided by the £293m schools block of the ring-fenced dedicated schools grant (DSG), and that the proposed local mainstream formula is to replicate the national funding formula (NFF) with minor amendments as recommended by Schools Forum on 19 January 2026 to reflect that it is not affordable in full.   

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the early years single funding formula (EYSFF) is being considered by Schools Forum on 16 February 2026 to allow time for a full consultation process with providers. 

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends to Council: -

(a)           That the decision for the early years single funding formula (EYSFF) is delegated to the corporate director for children’s services in consultation with the portfolio holder for children, young people, education and skills; and     

(b)           The mainstream schools funding formula detailed in Appendix 2.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

The recommendations reflect the mainstream schools formula recommended by the Schools Forum in January 2026 and the timetable for the early years consultation requested by providers.